NATCHEZ — Louis Gunning, director of the Natchez Stewpot, is expecting larger than ever crowds today — on both sides of the window.

Gunning said he anticipates approximately 300 needy will come to the Stewpot for their Thanksgiving meal starting at 11 a.m. today.

The Stewpot served 290 people for lunch Tuesday, a higher than normal number.

But, if Gunning’s predictions are right, the giving will increase as well.

He also anticipates a high number of volunteers and donations.

“We will be able to handle this,” he said Wednesday. “The good thing that’s happening is we’ve got a lot of people bringing food in for Thanksgiving, more than usual.

Gunning said volunteers were at the Stewpot Wednesday cutting up turkeys and opening cans for today’s meal.

The Stewpot serves a full plate of meat, vegetables, bread and dessert for the holiday. Drinks are also provided.

“There’s much more going on than I’ve ever seen there before,” Gunning said.

The Stewpot is located on East Franklin Street.

Staff reports