arlene and Steve Browning are a mission-minded couple.

The Columbus residents, who once lived in Jackson County, say they love to volunteer and help others when they can.

So they were eager to lend a hand Wednesday when volunteers were needed to deliver Thanksgiving-style meals around Jackson County for families in need.

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“I’m just thankful that we can do this, especially for the children,” Darlene Browning said. “I’m sure some don’t ever get to enjoy a big dinner.”

Michie’s Diner in Brownstown, in collaboration with area churches, businesses and volunteers, continued its tradition of offering free, hot Thanksgiving dinners. The meals included turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and dessert.

Each year, the event serves more than 450 Jackson County residents.

The restaurant was set up with a buffet-style dinner for those who wanted to dine in. For others who couldn’t make it out, Brownstown Christian Church delivered meals.

The Brownings were just two of many volunteers who met at the church to deliver. With a list of addresses in hand, the two set out in their car, which was loaded with boxed meals.

Their first stop was to the residence of Brownstown woman, who couldn’t hold back her tears of gratefulness.

“I’m thankful for this turkey,” Debra Shipley told the Brownings.

She said she was thankful for the meals that she, her son, her mother and her stepfather would have to enjoy.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Darlene Browning said to Shipley as they shared a brief hug.

Shana Jackson of Brownstown also delivered meals. Her route took her to Seymour and then to a few locations in Crothersville.

For her, it was great to not only have the community come together to help others but to see the recipients of the meals with smiles on their faces.

“Everybody is so grateful,” Jackson said. “It makes you feel like any of the problems you have are just so small.”

Other volunteers held different jobs throughout the evening.

Ben McKinney, a member of Brownstown Christian Church, helped coordinate the delivery routes.

Using an iPad and a chalkboard, he separated parts of the county and grouped volunteers, figuring out where deliveries needed to be made next.

This is the second year the church used its building for the delivery service, so McKinney said they wanted to make sure everything was organized.

“I enjoy working here with the people,” he said. “It’s rewarding.”

Wearing a red apron, John McCrary of Vallonia scooped green beans and put rolls into foam containers before they were sent out.

He said some of the prep work and cooking began Saturday and continued throughout the week. He joked that the night of the event was “organized chaos,” but he loved it.

“It just fills me full of joy to be quite honest about it,” McCrary said.

Terri Smith of Brownstown worked at the dessert station, slicing pieces of pie.

In her second year volunteering at the event, she said it’s fun meeting the new people who come by to help out.

“A lot of them are people we haven’t met before,” she said.

Daryl Amis, a minister at Brownstown Christian Church, said the event is what God calls for people to do.

“Being the hands and feet of Jesus and supplying a meal,” he said.

Amis said he realizes the free meal might be the only one some families eat all week.

“I would sacrifice anything to be able to make sure they have everything they need,” Amis said.

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“Everybody is so grateful. It makes you feel like any of the problems you have are just so small.”

Shana Jackson of Brownstown, on volunteering to deliver holiday meals to families in need

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