Kelly Thanksgiving Dinner

Many businesses handed out free meals for Thanksgiving, but in Bay St. Louis it’s a family affair.
For 31 years, Sara Kelly and her family have prepared Thanksgiving meals for hundreds of residents in the Bay. From her nephews, to grandkids, to just every day residents, they all had a hand in making the dinner happen.
Kelly, her family, and volunteers prepared over 150 meals for homebound residents. They typically serve over 900 meals to people who are willing and able to come in and share a hot meal with family and strangers.
For Kelly’s family members, volunteering on Thanksgiving is something that crosses generations. Sara Kelly’s granddaughter Chyanna Jamison said, “I came all the way from Ohio. We drove all through the night and the last time I was here, I was not alive really. I was in my mother’s stomach so I wasn’t contributing. I’ve noticed that a lot of people are always willing to help and they’re always asking what more can I do to help and that’s really cool.”
Dorothy Szolomayer took part in the Thanksgiving dinner. She said, “It’s very nice. You get to meet a lot of people. You find out their name, our name. Sometimes you stay in touch with them. I think it’s wonderful.”
Organizer Sarah Kelly said the dinner wouldn’t be possible without all of the donations from businesses around the Coast.