The generosity and kind-natured spirit of our community made for plenty of good news in our area last week.

Before we prepare for the week ahead, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from last week:

• A Natchez woman took over the operations of an outreach ministry program at Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church that provides clothes for families in need. Program coordinator Beverly Raines reopened the program shortly after its founder and longtime church member, Joyce Wesley, died. Area families in need can visit the church and receive free clothes, which are donated by church members and members of the community. We thank Raines for restarting the program and those who help it continue through donations.

• Stewpot Director Louis Gunning reported the year was the best holiday season in the Stewpot’s history in terms of fundraising. Donations by community members, as well as a fundraiser by the Adams County Board of Supervisors, helped fill the walls of the organization’s pantry. Stewpot serves nearly 410 to 415 plates a day to anyone in the community who walks through its doors. The generous donations from the community are just another sign of how giving our community truly can be.

• Lance Harris recently took over the operations of the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and hopes to use his love for history to grow the historic operation. The Laurel native took over as director after longtime director Jim Barnett retired. Harris has visited Natchez nearly every year since he was 15 to attend the Natchez Powwow, an annual event to celebrate Native American history and culture. We welcome Harris to the community and wish him the best as he looks after one of our area’s historical gems.

The first month of the New Year is nearly over, and we can’t wait to continue sharing the great things our community continues doing.