This Thanksgiving there were many things to be grateful for. And toward the top of that list is the kindness shown throughout the River City area by individuals and organizations alike.

In the lead-up to Thanksgiving, organizations like Momma’s Hope, Good Shepherd Community Center, The Salvation Army, Storehouse Community Food Pantry and River City Rescue Mission all stepped up to help provide Thanksgiving meals for those in need.

This week, the Knights of Columbus Council 898 was out and about delivering winter coats to a number of other community organizations, including Lifting Lives Ministries, Haven House Family Shelter and the Warren County Children’s Shelter.

And those are just the most recent examples of the Vicksburg community looking out for those who have fallen on hard times this holiday season. With Christmas now less than a month away, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is in full swing at locations across town. Additionally, a number of local churches are putting together boxes of food and other Christmas goodies, including First Baptist Church, which recently helped send thousands of shoe-box care packages to approximately 175 countries as part of Operation Christmas Child. 

But, the best part of these organizations is that the giving doesn’t end when the holiday season does. Most of these groups work tirelessly year-round to provide a plethora of needed services for locals.

So, when Christmas has come and gone and the last of the fireworks have welcomed in 2025, we should all remember that the needs of our fellow Vicksburgers don’t disappear just because the holidays have. Let’s help these wonderful organizations – and the fantastic men and women behind them – carry on the tradition of giving all year long.