So far, this column has been about local history, highlighting some of the people, events and things from our past here in Cooper and Verbena. However, this month we focus on a group of present-day people who are keeping alive a good thing from our past—just doing it in a modern way.

Seven years ago, next door neighbors Betty Jones and Beverly Wingard had a little time on their hands and wanted to help others. Wingard had been an elementary school teacher, and Jones had some experience with a Meals on Wheels program, and together they decided to “get cooking.”

Using their own money and working from their kitchens, they began preparing and delivering a meal each month for a few people who were elderly, sick, disabled or otherwise not able to do their own cooking. Their project grew until they were feeding about 15 people. Sometimes they received donations of fresh produce or other food from people who heard about their good work, but mostly the money came from their own pockets.

Jones said that last year the project became too much for them. “So, I talked to Donna Baldwin at [Verbena Baptist], and she agreed to help out,” said Jones. The two ladies, in their words, “gave up the kitchen.” Verbena Baptist allows a group of volunteers to work in the well-equipped church kitchen the third Tuesday of each month. Often, as many as 10 people cook and prepare the plates while the two founders call recipients on their list to make sure they’re home. Then, these two ladies pack the plates into boxes, checking off names as they go.

While all the volunteers are members of Verbena Baptist, this is not under the direction of the church nor does it come out of the church budget. They still rely on donations and buy in quantity. This food ministry serves 50 to 60 people each month, people from all over the community and “from all denominations,” the ladies are quick to add.

Preparing the meals, packing them and cleaning up is hard work, but all the volunteers seem to enjoy it and the friendly banter that goes on as they work. Carey Meank explained that he and Frank Hayes usually do the clean up because “nobody bothers you while you’re washing dishes.” When the boxes are ready to go, more workers show up to help with the delivery. Together, the whole group enjoys a meal before heading out.

On May 19, 52 plates were sent out. Pork loin, rice and gravy, green beans, cole slaw, rolls and peach cobbler went to all the fortunate recipients. Jones made a quick trip to the freezer to get sweet potatoes for one lady who couldn’t eat slaw. Becky Hayes explained that they try to have as much variety as possible and suit the meals to the seasons.

“Vegetable soup is always a favorite,” she says. Together, this group carries out a 2,000-year-old admonition to “feed my sheep.”

-Ola Taylor is a Community Correspondent for The Clanton Advertiser. She can be reached at olataylor@gmail.com.