An open heart is truly one of the best gifts to give others and it is sacrifice.  It is never easy and it will almost always cost you something. That’s why it can mean the difference in the lives of those who experience it. And if you want to see this amazing, lovely thing, come to the Stone Center on Tuesday nights where those who serve at More Than A Meal are giving of their time and opening the hearts of so many. More Than A Meal is a nonprofit organization that is committed to serving the Oxford community by offering a weekly meal at the Stone Center, as well as other programs and services.

On behalf of More Than A Meal, we would like to thank many groups and volunteers for their generosity every Tuesday throughout the months of August, September, and October. We extend that thanks to the following groups/churches for providing meals: Pinelake Church, My Michelle’s Catering, Kappa Delta Alumnae Association, OU Methodist Fellowship Group, St. John’s Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, LCOPL NERDS book club, and Grace Bible Church, Ole Miss Coaches Wives, Liz Randle’s Cooking Club, Gaga Gal’s, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and First Presbyterian Church. We would also like to thank those who volunteered their time and/or helped by bringing in donations: the Wesley Foundation, Kappa Delta, Jenna Lovelace, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Omicron Pi, LCOPL Puppeteers, Luke and Amy Fisher, OU Methodist Mary Martha Circle, Karen Harris and the GED program, the UM Integrated Marketing Communications program, the UM Student Dietetic Association, UM Pharmacy Group, the Lafayette County Literacy Council, UM Volleyball team, and UM EDHE 105 classes, the Ole Miss Pharmacy Group, and McDonald’s, as well as other committed community volunteers.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to local business owners, Andrew and Betsy Smith, for choosing their McDonald’s McCafe for a Cause for the month of September to benefit More Than A Meal and Holli’s Sweet Tooth owners, Meghan and Brad Feltenstein for donating candy for the FCS Spooktacular.

With your support and caring hearts, our community is so much brighter, a little more open, and a bit less divided. When we open our homes, our hearts, our lives, and our gifts to share them with others, we prove compassion wins out over judgment and love wins out over apathy. Thank you all for everything you do!More Than A Meal is a great way to get involved in the community and give back. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please visit our website at mtamoxford.org to learn more or to sign up for volunteer teams. Donations may be dropped off at the Stone Center on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. With your help, we can do so much more!

Alisa Wilson

More Than A Meal