Many thanks to all who have dropped off large cans of green vegetables this past week and to the hunters who have provided venison.   

Earlier this year, we received a monetary gift from the estate of Neil Varnell that has allowed us to have a “rainy day fund,” for a time when building maintenance or large equipment purchases are needed.

Donations of all kinds make it possible for us to serve over 300 meals a day, every day of the year.

The Stewpot is funded through donations from churches, civic groups and individuals.

It takes about $9,000 per month to cover the costs of food and paper products, utilities, payroll for two employees, and building and equipment maintenance.

Last month we cooked and served more than 10,000 meals! Two-thirds of the meals are delivered to shut-ins.

It takes many faithful servants to keep the Stewpot running 365 days of the year and we have been blessed with an army of volunteers that come from all facets of the community.

Do you have one hour and 15 minutes per week to spare? One of our delivery routes has nearly doubled in the last few years and we need to split the route into two separate routes, so we won’t have to turn down people who are in need of meal delivery.    

We can only do this if we have volunteers who will each commit to meal delivery one day a week.

Our goal is to start the new route on Jan. 1, 2020. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for this very rewarding service.

The volunteers on the route work as a team and are willing to trade days and substitute when needed.  For more information, please email me at ntzstewpot@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving is the biggest day of the year at the Stewpot and our menu has been planned. Turkeys, rolls, pies and sheetcakes are needed.

The turkeys need to be dropped off by Monday, Nov. 25, and rolls and desserts can be dropped off any time during Thanksgiving week.

As the big day approaches, we give thanks for the all the donated food, for the hands that prepare the meal and for the patrons that we serve.

We are thankful to be part of this loving and generous community and we thank God for the many blessings He showers upon us!

The Stewpot meal is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to noon on Sunday. The address is 69 East Franklin Street. All are welcome!  Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 298, Natchez, MS  39121.

Donations of food can be dropped off Monday through Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, please visit our website, www.natchezstewpot.com.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

Amanda Jeansonne is director of the Natchez Community Stewpot.