Local school kids are out today for the Thanksgiving break. Families are either making plans to travel, or stocking up for visitors, or preparing for a quiet celebration of the holidays at home.
There”s a bustle in the air — the holiday season is upon us. After Thanksgiving, there will only be a few short weeks until Christmas.
Now is also the time that many of us are also looking, in earnest, beyond our own needs. Schools, charities, churches and other groups are giving thanks — and food and money along with them.
The Columbus Police Department wrapped up a turkey, food and money drive that will help feed needy and elderly families this coming Thanksgiving. Volunteers will gather at 8 a.m. Saturday at Stokes-Beard Elementary School to help prepare, package and deliver the meals.
The Salvation Army will also be serving free lunches on Thanksgiving, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Several churches will serve or deliver meals. Among them are Peter”s Rock Temple Church Of God In Christ in Starkville, which will host its annual dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.
Annunciation Catholic Church in Columbus plans to deliver more than 300 meals on Thanksgiving Day.
Of course, we”re missing groups here; there are more charitable acts taking place across the Golden Triangle this Thanksgiving to name.
We”re thankful for our local volunteers who ensure no one need go hungry on Thanksgiving. Especially considering the downturn in the economy, we”re always heartened by the bounty of food and support our communities are able to provide each year.
Mississippi tends to rank near the bottom in most economic measures. But despite that, we consistently rank at the top in charitable giving. That spirit remains alive in the Golden Triangle this holiday season.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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