With the hustle and bustle of shopping and buying gifts, decorating, and traveling that go on around Christmas and the holiday season, one Indianola family decided to share the holiday’s true meaning with the elderly of Nelson-Dotson Apartments and clients of Help at Home.
On December 23, the children, grandchildren, and in-laws of the late Elder Charles and Mother Mattie Bell Potts cooked and prepared plates of dressing, baked chicken, mac & cheese and green beans for people who are not fully able to cook for themselves and who need some assistance with their everyday living.
With each plate given, the love of God was shared with everyone who received a dinner. “Just as Jesus served others during His short time on this earth, it is imperative that we do the same, that we serve and fill needs in the community all while showing our children the importance of giving and not simply receiving on Christmas,” said Shadrack Potts, the youngest sibling of the Potts crew and the orchestrator of the small, give-back event.
Even in its smallness, the event was a success. The givers were welcomed with gratitude and smiles while the receivers were shown love and thoughtfulness through words and deeds.
“Being able to help one or give back is always a gift of love,” shared Kimberly Jackson Greenip, Branch Manager for Help at Home in Indianola. She is grateful that some of the residents for which Help at Home provides services were thought of during the holiday season.
The Potts’ family traveled as far as Sunflower to deliver the hot plates. It is easy to get caught up and stressed out in the busyness of Christmas, but we must intentionally take the time to think of others and do what we can and what is purposed in our hearts to share the true meaning of Christmas through serving others, giving back to the less fortunate, and helping the needy.
