PONTOTOC, Miss. (WTVA) -- Feeding of the five thousand. It's not a new thing here at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc it actually started 15 years ago when one pastor got the inspiration from the bible, but the tradition continues by helping out the needy.
"We are taking meals to people in need," says pastor Ken Hester. "Shut ins, the sick, the poor, and needy. We will be doing that all over Pontotoc County."
Preparation for a meal so huge starts months in advance, and the pastor says it brings people from all over the community together to perform one grand act of charity.
"This reaches across denominational lines, racial lines, it's a great example of the body of Christ reaching out to other people," says Hester.
It's something that has people working and looking forward to all season, whether it's a first timer, or someone who has been volunteering for over 20 years.
It seems to give volunteers satisfaction and pride.
"We all really enjoy doing this everyone here," says high school student Carli Mapp. "We like to see their faces and happiness it brings them, and they get a plate of food."
"I just do it for the community, its a way to give back to the community and our friends and family," says volunteer Randy Young. "It's just a great time together."
Other than feeding the hungry those involved say there is one aspect of the feeding that really makes them happy to help.
"Some of the Seniors in the community don't have family, or they moved away and they get lonely," says church secretary Chess Anthony.
"People call and say thank you I haven't seen anyone in a couple days," says Hester. "That really is touching. The delivery people are the real angels of this thing."
At the end of the day over 3,400 plates of turkey and dressing were served.
