Fannie Johnson has been the director of Love’s Kitchen for more than a year now and she says she cries a lot of tears — tears of joy that is.

“I cry because of how the community comes out and provides us with the resources we need,” Johnson said. “We don’t get a lot of government funding. A lot of the grants weren’t available this year, so when everyone from Meridian, Philadelphia, Quitman come out to help it just feels good.”

Volunteerism is so strong that Johnson had to push some groups to the Christmas schedule to help out because they were all full for Thanksgiving.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Johnson said.

With the outpouring of support from the community and surrounding areas, Love’s Kitchen will be filling plenty of mouths this Thanksgiving.

“We’ll serve 500 meals Thursday,” Johnson said.

The kitchen will be available for an extended time on the holiday. They will open their doors at 7 a.m. and serve breakfast. Once it runs out they will serve muffins, juice, and coffee until 11 a.m. then Love’s Kitchen will serve their Thanksgiving meal.

“There will be turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, rolls, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and assorted desserts,” Johnson said.

If you would like to be a volunteer at Love’s Kitchen, call (601) 693-1409.