In this season of giving and giving thanks, our community needs to continue to be mindful of those who are in need.

Besides the food pantry and other generous organizations who provide for those who need it the most in our community, the Mission 66 Diner also fills a void for those who need a warm meal.

The free meals, however, are only offered a few days out of the month, so the Salvation Army of Vicksburg is hoping churches and other organizations can help fill the gaps for other days of the week.

Presently, meals are being offered three Mondays out of the month, every Tuesday and second Wednesday at 530 Mission 66 and are being provided by three local churches and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

The Salvation Army lunch offerings started in 2005 for victims who fled to the River City due to Hurricane Katrina.

“Because of them, we began to organize teams,” said Peggy Gouras, a member of the First Presbyterian Church and volunteer who helps provide meals.

The teams served meals five days a week at the time, but now the services are limited, despite the increased need for lunch meals.

Mission 66 averages 60 to 80 people during each meal.

First Presbyterian Church prepares and serves meals on Tuesdays and has done so since its inception.

The Salvation Army said it welcomes any and all groups who would like to provide assistance, and those interested in helping, need to prepare and finance the entire meal.

Meals can be prepared on site at the Salvation Army facility, or at a different location and then brought in.

Groups may also need to provide the paper products for the meals, but are welcome to use the Salvation Army paper products if they’re available.

And if organizations that may be sponsoring an event where there is leftover food, are more than welcome to contact the Salvation Army to donate the excess for meals.

It is obvious our community has an abundance of those who are in need. We should share our bounty with them during this giving season, as well as other days throughout the year.

If you or your organization would like to volunteer to provide meals for the Mission 66 Diner, call 601-636-2706.