To the editor:

On behalf of the Gospel Temple M. B. Church Family, I welcome this opportunity to all of you who made donations to the fire victims of The Ridge Apartments. 

Through you, God truly and abundantly blessed the recipients, and all of the recipients were very appreciative. We were also able to help two other families who lost everything due to fire, one on Highway 27 and one on North Washington Street.

I give special thanks to the following churches, organizations and businesses for their generous donations: China Grove No. 2, Travelers Rest, St. Peter, First Baptist (Cherry St.), church in Newellton, La., Vicksburg Jr. Auxiliary, Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club, Lady Luck Casino Hotel, United Way of West Central Mississippi and Ms. Gloria Davenport of King David No. 1.   Your generosity did not go unnoticed. 

In the past, GTMBC has opened up its church fellowship hall to help those in need. Whether it was Hurricane Katrina, the flood in Crosby or the tornado in Hattiesburg, the donation drives were successful. However, this time, for the fire victims of The Ridge Apartments, I saw more than expected. That’s because we were helping our own. 

The Vicksburg – Warren County Community has always pulled together when our own is in need. We truly live up to being the most hospitable place to live, and that is, the Red Carpet City of the South. There is no other place I’d rather live.

Again, I thank you all so much for the kindness shown during this time of need.

Jackie M. Libbett

Gospel Temple M.B. Church