Free Thanksgiving dinners in South MS give ‘sense of community.’ Here’s where to find them
Hundreds come each year to the brick building in Bay St. Louis, a group of neighbors and strangers, all to eat at the Kelly Family Thanksgiving.
Some love it so much they return again and again as volunteers.
“That is the most amazing part,” said Julie Massengill. “It’s just such a wonderful sense of community.”
Every Thanksgiving for the last 39 years, Massengill and her family have served free turkey, stuffing, potatoes and desserts to people across Hancock County. The meal is sit down or take out. Anyone can come.
Planning it takes work. The family starts preparing food on Wednesday and is ready by 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, plating to-go orders. A delivery crew leaves soon after to bring food to people across the county. Crowds start arriving after 11 a.m. in Bay St. Louis to sit for a server who takes their orders and brings hot food.
Massengill took over the event after her mother, Sally Kelly, died last year. She said the meal is possible because of community donations and volunteer help.
“It has been an amazing thing for our whole family,” Massengill said. “We want everyone to come.”
The Kelly Family will serve turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad and desserts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until food runs out) Nov. 28 at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall at 301 Blaize Ave. Guests can expect door prizes, such as wreaths, plants and children’s coloring books.
Massengill said people who want to donate food can bring it to the Bay St. Louis Community Hall on Wednesday. For monetary donations, canned good drop-offs and questions, call Julie Massengill at 228-223-4064. For delivery questions call or text Brinson Smith at 601-723-1836.
More free Thanksgiving meals on MS Coast
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Feed My Sheep, a Gulfport food bank, will serve a Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2615 19th St. The meal is for the homeless and less fortunate. Feed My Sheep is accepting food and monetary donations. It is closed Thursday and Friday. For questions call 228-864-2701 or email feedmysheepgpt@gmail.com.
Anni Le’s family will host a Thanksgiving meal from noon to 6 p.m. at 11516 Lamey Bridge Rd., Suite K, in D’Iberville. They want to serve first responders, families, veterans, the homeless, senior citizens and anyone in need. Members of the D’Iberville High School Key Club will volunteer at the event. Le said this year is the first time they’ve hosted and they hope to make it an annual meal. “We have always talked about taking our children to go feed the needy for Thanksgiving,” she said, “and my husband decided ‘Why don’t we host our own?’”
Thursday, Nov. 28
Seashore Mission, a homeless day center in Biloxi, is hosting a 9 a.m. Thanksgiving breakfast at 856 Division St. for those in need.
Main Street Missionary Baptist Church is also hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at noon at 321 Main St.
The groups are offering transportation to Main Street Missionary Baptist Church at 11 a.m. from Back Bay Mission, Mercy Cross day center and Seashore Mission. Back Bay Mission, Mercy Cross and Seashore mission all work to help people experiencing poverty, food insecurity and homelessness on the Mississippi Coast.
Send information about other free Thanksgiving dinners to msanchez@sunherald.com.
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.