Ray Beall has endured rain, heat and most recently cold temperatures while faithfully delivering meals for the Natchez Senior Citizen Multipurpose Center.

&uot;I (volunteer) all year round – cold or no cold,&uot; Beall said.

The 68-year-old volunteers at the center from Monday to Friday each week.

He assists Stella Johnson, a bus driver at the center, with her daily rounds. &uot;I just love to do that kind of work,&uot; Beall said.

And both Beall and Johnson say the recent cold weather has not hindered them from completing their regular rounds.

&uot;I love the cold weather,&uot; Johnson, adding that she and Beall prefer it to the heat. &uot;You don’t get as hot jumping in and out of the bus (delivering meals).&uot;

Beall began assisting Johnson with her meal deliveries about two years ago, when a former volunteer passed away.

His help has meant the world to her, she said.

&uot;He stepped right in and started helping,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;That was a blessing.&uot;

And Beall says he just enjoys helping people who have a hard time getting around.

&uot;I help through morning-time up through dinner-time,&uot; he said. &uot;It keeps me busy. It keeps me busy all the time.&uot;

Ray has also developed a following among the senior citizens to whom he delivers meals. &uot;They miss him when he not here,&uot; Johnson said.

Beall also helps senior citizens board the bus, helps unload their groceries and assists in pushing wheelchairs around the center.

&uot;He’s a great volunteer,&uot; said Edwina Petersen, program coordinator at the senior center.

&uot;All organizations could use a man like him. He’s always pleasant. He’s always here. He’s always willing to help.&uot;

Beall is a true volunteer in that &uot;he gets nothing except the pleasure of giving,&uot; Petersen said.

Beall said he has no intention of giving up his work anytime soon. &uot;Unless something comes up I don’t know about,&uot; Beall said he plans to continue volunteering.