Mayor’s Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon A Big Hit

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Rosie Gardner came to this meal for reasons other than food.

She says being here allows her to reconnect with certain people who she doesn’t see often.

“Oh it’s great,” said Gardner. “I get to meet people and get to meet the elderly people that I haven’t seen for years and that grew up with my mom.”

But Gardner doesn’t come by herself.

She brings her mom to this event and uses this time to celebrate life, joy, and love.

“I’m from Tuscaloosa Alabama,” said Gardner. “But I come every year to bring my mother. She’s 82, Miss Charlene Moseley, and I love to come and be with her on this occasion.”

There were also senior citizens who came in hopes of bringing light and happiness to people in the community.

Christine Chandler says the world can seem like a negative and separated place sometimes and with events like this, small, positive actions can lead to change in the right direction.

“Fellowship, love, and togetherness, and unity is very important,” said Chandler. “This is what we need and if we get together as one to eat and fellowship together, I think that will help and strengthen our communities.”

This Thanksgiving Luncheon also helped attendees reflect on what they’re thankful for.

“You know we take for granted the fact that we have a bed to sleep in when we go home,” said Glenda Buckhalter. “Unlike some of the homeless people don’t have shelter, don’t have food, don’t have clothing, so the ones of us that do we should thank God every day for that.”

And with it being the season of giving thanks, guest, Linda Harris says she came this morning to give senior citizens in the surrounding community what they deserve.

“Just be thankful to be alive and help our senior citizens and helping them have a wonderful Thanksgiving,” said Harris. “It’s not all about taking, it’s all about giving.”