Not everyone will take the time in a holiday week to make sure others have a holiday meal, but plenty of Troup County citizens did this week. 

In Hogansville, the police department collaborated with Hogansville Elementary and Callaway High School to deliver over 100 meals to residents. Businesses like Love’s Travel Stops and McKibben and Sons Funeral Home bought turkeys for the drive, and Mayor Bill Stankiewicz was one of the volunteers.

Non-profits in LaGrange — like Up All Night and Ark Refuge Ministries — also delivered full turkey dinners on Thanksgiving day with all the fixings to those unable to do so themselves. 

Why would anyone get up on Thanksgiving Day and cook for someone besides their family? Why would they go to the trouble? They would miss sleeping in, watching the Macy’s parade or cooking in the quiet of their own home.

 But these all-volunteer teams did because they knew if they didn’t, some of their neighbors would go without. 

Up All Night ministry literally worked through the night to make sure Thanksgiving could be delivered to “our sick, shut-ins, and homebound,” as CEO Jimmy Edwards said. Meals were delivered, and residents could pick up meals in person. Up All Night anticipated feeding around 700 people. 

Ark Refuge in LaGrange also delivered hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. They delivered and had pick up. They expected to serve about 500 families. 

In West Point, Point Refuge church worked alongside businesses, first responders and volunteers to distribute 250 hot meals. Mayor Steve Tramell was on hand to help out. 

These acts of kindness are an overflow of a thankful heart. They come from a desire to give back to others during a difficult time. They come from the knowledge that any of us could be the one in need. 

These volunteers came out to do the work but they know a secret — many hands make light work, or some old saying like that. These crews had fun. This is a tradition for many of these volunteers. They show up with their families and make a day of it. 

They are not missing Thanksgiving. They’re living it. 

Thanks to all of you who so lavishly blessed the residents of Troup County. You gave the day meaning and our residents hope.