Members of First Christian Church in Meridian baked turkeys and made dressing and delivered it to needy families and shut-ins in Meridian and surrounding areas.

"We're just here doing what we as Christians ought to do, trying to help those who can't help themselves," said Dr. Randy Nance, one of the church's members.

Nance has been doing this for years. He said he first did it through his local medical practice. But a couple of years ago, his church took up the cause along side of him.

This year, the church delivered meals for more than 500 people, from as far north as Louisville and as far south as Pachuta.

"Every member is a missionary," said the Rev. Tom Sykes. "And you don't have to go to Africa. You don't have to go out of the country. You can serve right here in Mississippi. So our mission field is right here in Meridian and Lauderdale County."

Sharon Madison, a home health nurse, volunteered to deliver plates to patients in Neshoba and Kemper counties.

:These are patients that are maybe alone on Thanksgiving Day, and they don't have any Thanksgiving dinner, and this is going to put a smile on their face," Madison said.

"There are people in our community that aren't going to have a plate of food to eat, and that's why we do this," Nance said.