Natchez is a remarkable town. We are full of all the normal problems of any community, but one shining bright star is the spirit of the Natchez Stewpot.

Generosity of the whole community is the hallmark of its 30 years of the stewpot’s existence herein our river city.

The Natchez Stewpot has brought together rich and poor, black, hispanic and white, young and old, tall and short, liberals and conservatives, protestant, Catholics, Jews and those of no churches. So much of it is done anonymously. Directly serving those in need seems to invite all to leave their “egos” at home. Those who are served seem to teach the servers humility and gratitude.

Every single day for 30 years, 250 to 300 meals are prepared.

All this is done with two paid employees who work every day except Sunday. On Sundays, five churches and one other group rotate and cook, serve and clean. We have been told we are the only organization in Mississippi which serves seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Over the years, there have been many dry times with no money in the bank, no food in the pantry. Pondering what to do, the phone rings and with a wink, a miracle seems to happen. You, one of you, or two of you call and to make a major donation or to bring dear meat or fish. It appears! It seems like the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Perhaps it is God’s way of using each of us to carry on this good work to show we care for each other.

The Board of Directors rejoices and wants to thank each of you. You, our community, have come forward donating food, repairing broken pipes, painting walls, cleaning the floors, storage rooms, the windows, cooking, serving, driving, and laughing all the way.

Without your donations we could not exist. It is the time of year when our need gets heavier. When the days are shorter and colder, there seem to be an increase in need, Adams County has a 31,737 people. We are 44.6 percent white, 53.7 percent black and 8 percent Hispanic. Our per capital income is $17,544 and 30.9 percent of our persons live in poverty.

Please know we need your money to continue our work. Please be generous. Checks can be written to the Natchez Stewpot, P.O. Box 298, Natchez, MS 39121.

If you have someone on your Christmas list that you cannot think of anything they need as a gift, please consider giving a gift to the stewpot in their name. It will be well used.

With Thanksgiving upon us I am thankful we live surrounded by a truly generous community. Thanks to all of you for your kindness.

 

Mary Jane Gaudet is a board member of the Natchez Stewpot.