Volunteers from area churches feed inmates, first responders and shut ins on Thanksgiving Day

The outreach is a thirty six year tradition that lets Christians put action to their faith

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – In Tupelo, members of different churches came together, to make plate lunches for those in jails, first responders, and shut-ins.

As volunteers heated up vegetables, and dressing in the kitchen at Harrisburg Baptist Church

Others were on makeshift assembly lines, preparing plate lunches for inmates, staff, and shut-ins, in area jails.  This is the 36th year for the Thanksgiving Day outreach.  Bishop Clarence Parks, pastor of the Temple of Compassion and Deliverance, started the tradition as a way to bless others.

“I believe if Jesus were here today, He would be feeding the hungry and ministering to the needy and I believe when you minister to people’s physical needs, it’s also easier to talk to their spiritual needs,” Bishop Parks said.

The volunteers represented churches from different denominations and ethnic backgrounds.  Those who showed up to help say it is an example of Christians from various backgrounds working together to help others.

“To me, this is a wonderful example of the Tupelo Spirit and Holy Spirit working together and they should be the same thing, and we are all God; ‘s Children and we got to act like it,” said Jack Reed, Jr.

“This is what Thanksgiving is about, it’s not about the Egg Bowl, not about who can have the best outfit, it’s about being thankful and we have a lot to be thankful for,” said Ty’Anna Hobson.

“My heart was so full this morning, I felt so emotional when I got here, I thought, everybody looks so different but we are coming together to help someone else and that’s really what its about, having an attitude of gratitude,” said Kayty Rawson.

More than 1,200 meals were delivered as part of the outreach.