Loaves and Fishes pantry brings Christmas cheer to those in need

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Servers at a local food pantry decided to cook all the fixings, and spread a little Christmas cheer.

The United Way’s Loaves and Fishes Pantry was filled with church volunteers and people in need.

From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. residents from area churches cooked, served and fellowshipped with local residents.

Last year, organizers say they only fed a small group because not a lot of folks knew their doors would be open on Christmas.

“When I went to the United Way meeting, she told me a couple months ago their biggest need was they weren’t open on Christmas…the first year we did it they were just shocked that we were open and now people are looking forward to it and we’re just excited to be here,” said volunteer Breana Jamison.

But this year word traveled fast.

“So we’re so grateful everybody just wanted to do something, we had people to prepare food, we had people to prepare deserts, loading their trucks and bringing it all over…it was just a great group effort,” said Maranatha Faith Center volunteer Lori Jamison.

Volunteers from Hamilton and Aberdeen also came to roll up their sleeves and serve.

By 11:45 a.m. over 50 people were fed.

This year they hope to feed 150 people.