By Marilyn Miller
Hundreds of representatives from organizations, churches, private citizens and more from across Webster Parish combined their resources on Friday, Nov. 21 to host a luncheon for those individuals and families who have fallen on challenging times during the holiday season.
“Hands of love” served over 200 plates of chicken & dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, green beans, green bean casserole, pea salad, ham, jambalaya, bread, cranberry sauce, corn casserole, and more in the gymnasium of the Minden Presbyterian Church on Broadway and Lewisville Road.
Serving started at 12 noon and was totally FREE of charge. Many plates were delivered to those who could not make it to the church.
The “love banquet” was an outgrowth of a committee formed in September when the public began to hear of homeless people populating Minden and Webster Parish. Feeding the homeless, the needy, and families who live below US poverty standards became a challenge of the committee, according to D’ McCoy, spokesman for the special group.
D’ sent out a special thank-you to Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver (jambalaya), the Antioch Baptist Church (desserts), First Baptist Church (chicken & dressing), First Methodist Church (serving and several dishes), Minden Presbyterian Church (gymnasium, tea, plates and cups, etc.), Men of Courage (hams), Women of Courage, Living Word Worship Center, the First Assembly of God, Camp Minden YCP (putting up and tearing down tables), Michael Roy, and AOK Sorority,
Although D’ McCoy likes to do things quietly, she did believe that these special groups, including the Minden Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, deserved a pat on the back. At one point during the morning when Minden councilman Michael Roy showed up with eight smoked turkeys, members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority jumped in and began the “greasy” job of carving the birds.
“This was our opportunity to show love and support for those in our community who are facing challenges and insecurity during the holiday season.” D’ said.
She can be contacted at dmccoyrn@gmail.com.
