NATCHEZ &045;&045; The work, time and money of a variety of local volunteers will warm the stomachs and maybe the hearts of those in need today.

Anyone in the area in need of a hearty lunch is invited to stop by Sago’s at 5 St. Catherine St., from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. today for a free plate lunch.

Community volunteers, church leaders and local businesses have worked together under the coordination of M.L. &uot;Binkey&uot; Vines, who serves as the circuit clerk, to plan the event.

A similar lunch was held last year just before Thanksgiving and is something Vines said God led him to do.

&uot;We want to do it because there is a need for a good hot meal,&uot; Vines said. &uot;Times are tough and we are moving into the holidays. We want to let people know we care.&uot;

At last year’s event Vines said he planned to feed around 200 but ended up feeding over 500 and had food leftover. This year he is expecting around 1,000.

&uot;We are going to take this opportunity as an outreach,&uot; Vines said. &uot;Many pastors are getting involved. While they are in line a pastor can share with them.&uot;

Donated Bibles will be handed out to those in line, and Vines said anyone in the community with a Bible, new or old, they would like to donate is encouraged to do so.

&uot;God is moving in this community and I’m very thankful that we are having the opportunity to do His work,&uot; Vines said.

The lunch will consist of ham, dressing and gravy, green beans and sweet potato casserole prepared by the Piggly Wiggly deli. Community members have donated numerous cakes and pies, which will also be distributed.

Over 100 deliveries will also be made to shut-ins and any leftover food will be given to the Stewpot.

Tonight at 6:30 Christian Gospel singer Tim Davis, from McComb, will put on a free concert on the steps of the courthouse. Several other local singers will also participate.