Gumbo Pot is ‘paying it forward’ by giving away hot dogs

Published 3:35 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2020

While the COVID-19 virus may have thrown the community a curveball, there are many who are stepping up to the plate to help one another.

Thursday at 2 p.m. The Gumbo Pot will be giving back by giving away free hot dogs to anyone who drives up.

“We have some friends who forwarded us a little bit of money just to help us out through these tough times,” Gumbo Pot owner Perry Boyd said.

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And, in response to the generosity of Jimbo and Jennifer Lusby, Boyd and his wife, Donna, decided they wanted to “pay it forward” by giving away hot dogs.

Boyd said this was also a way he and his wife could show their appreciation to those in the community who have supported them during the economic slowdown brought about by the worldwide pandemic.

“We want this to be a positive thing for the community, something to give people a little bit of encouragement and to brighten their day since everybody is having to stay at home,” he said.

And because this time of year would have been the start of the baseball season, Boyd said, they thought serving hot dogs was fitting.

“What’s the best thing you get at a ballpark – hotdogs,” Boyd said. “We want to give people a little something they are used to, but not able to do.”

Boyd said he is not sure how many hot dogs they will give away, but plans are to have 1,000 ready to go.

In keeping with social distancing, Boyd said they would be set up in their catering trailer, which will be parked near the restaurant, 3401 Halls Ferry Road No. 5.

“They can just drive through, and we will hand them the hot dog. Nobody has to get out,” he said.

Hot dogs without condiments and a bag of chips will be given out until they run out, Boyd said, estimating that could be around 4 p.m.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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