MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Folks across the Mid-South spent Thanksgiving Day giving back to their communities.
in South Memphis, Christ Missionary Baptist Church prepared its biggest Thanksgiving giveaway. Volunteers began cooking Tuesday and prepared 1,000 meals to give away to people in need. That's double what the church gave away last year.
The event first started in 2020 during the pandemic, but the congregation said it quickly took on a life of its own. Pastor Doctor Gina M. Stewart said the event is important is one of the city's poorest neighborhoods, where many living nearby have limited transportation.
"Some of the people living in this neighborhood may or may not have access to a hot meal, and even if they do, it can be problematic for them to serve the number of people that they need to serve,” said Dr. Stewart. “We just feel that if we're here in this community, we ought to serve this community."
In North Memphis, Kingdom Knowledge Ministries also gave back, feeding those who came hungry this Thanksgiving.
The church volunteers began cooking meals early Wednesday morning ahead of the annual thanksgiving feeding event.
The church, active for 15 years in North Memphis, takes pride in working throughout the community throughout the year. It has held this event for the past several years.
Not only were meals provided to those who came hungry, but volunteers also packed up another meal to go. Volunteers also picked up others in the area who needed a ride to the event.
“I am so grateful to actually be here in Memphis,” said Jada Williams with Kingdom Knowledge Ministries. “I know some of our people count Memphis out, but Memphis has a heart. It has a loving heart. It has a giving heart. So I'm grateful to be part of this community and be a part of this church.”
A downtown Memphis restaurant also gave back with an annual tradition that’s been going nearly two decades.
Westy's in the Pinch District passed out meals to those in need, no questions asked. The restaurant and partnering church groups expected to provide meals to more than 1,200 people this Thanksgiving.
We caught up this morning with a Volunteers began cooking and prepping the meal Wednesday night, and one first-time volunteer told us she felt inspired to serve and give back to her community.
“It was important for me to come out today because I've always wanted to give back on Thanksgiving,” said Tracy McKinney. “A lot of times we don't realize there are a lot of people a lot less fortunate than us - that it brightens their day to see other people come out and give back."
Westy's is also about to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Memphis.