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Sussex council grant saves Thanksgiving dinner

Church falls short on funds to serve meal to nearly 600 people
November 22, 2018

Joyce Mizzelle sat quietly in the back of Sussex County Council chambers for more than three hours at the Nov. 13 meeting waiting for a chance to speak.

When she got her opportunity, the founder of Grace-N-Mercy Ministries made an impassioned plea for a councilmanic grant to help provide Thanksgiving dinner to nearly 600 people in the Greenwood area.

At first, on a recommendation from Councilman Sam Wilson, council had planned to donate $500 to the church for its 15th annual dinner, but that was before Mizzelle pleaded her case.

She said costs associated with construction of a new recreation center have taxed the church budget. In addition, she said, chemotherapy treatments have limited her time to solicit donations to make up a nearly $1,900 shortfall.

She said the church cooks at least 25 turkeys and 30 hams for the dinner using donated space from Beracah Homes. This year's dinner took place Nov. 20.

Council rescinded its original motion and voted to donate $1,860 to her cause, including $860 from Councilman Rob Arlett's account and $500 each from Wilson's and Council President Mike Vincent's accounts.

At one point, Mizzelle looked directly at Wilson saying, “Mr. Wilson, this is in your district.”

Even so, he did not increase his donation.

In 2017, serving 585 people took 50 tables; 400 pounds of turkey; 100 pies; 800 rolls; 50 large cans of green beans; 30 pans of stuffing; 500 pounds of potatoes; 100 servers; and 1,200 volunteer hours.

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