Meet Me at the Court paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy Monday by following his example of serving the community.
For their monthly mission project and to commemorate the MLK holiday, youth members of MMC braved sub-freezing temperatures, ice and snow to deliver hot meals to local residents.
Veronica Bailey, president and CEO of MMC -- a nonprofit, community-service organization -- said the day went so well, that the group is planning a second round of deliveries once the hard freeze and lingering ice and snow clear.
On Monday, MMC distributed more than two dozen soul food plates and whole rotisserie chickens to residents in Hudson Place Apartments and in the Fairview, Rock Island and St. Louis neighborhoods.
The group headed out at 5 p.m. and the deliveries lasted until approximately 7:30 p.m., said Bailey.
"What I love about this community-service project that Meet Me at the Court did was that we included senior citizens, single mothers, households with a multitude number of family and we were able to leave extra plates," Bailey said.
"We were able to share with people a good hot meal and it was a large amount where they would be able to eat for several days." she continued.
In each area the group entered, Bailey said volunteers used ATVs and large trucks to help clear paths for MMC members to deliver meals.
Bailey said MMC members were also moved by residents who performed their own acts of kindness when MMC visited their homes.
"They said, 'We know you're tired. Do you want some water?' It was just such a touching experience," she said.
"Here we are trying to take care of them and make sure they have a hot meal and they're trying to take care of me," Bailey added.
She also noted that two unexpected donations to MMC that came as the group prepared for the meal deliveries.
Bailey said she was purchasing rotisserie chickens and other supplies in a local grocery store when an employee recognized her and personally purchased and donated a store gift card to help out with community-service project.
While in the check-out line, a customer discreetly stuffed a cash donation in her hand.
"He came over and he didn't say anything. He stuck it in my hand from behind. I felt something in my hand and when I saw what it was, I said, 'God bless you,'" said Bailey.
Bailey said MMC used the donations to feed more people Monday and the group is preparing for another round of soul-food meal deliveries once the weather breaks.
"God is just blessing us through others and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Dr. King's birthday and we'll be coming back with a part two once it warms up and the snow and ice melt because it is very much needed in this city," she said.
MMC is also planning its annual Black History Person and Youth of the Year Banquet.
The banquet is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Parish Hall of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle Road.
The banquet is free and the public is invited to attend.
A soul food dinner will be served.
Bailey said the honorees have been selected for the ninth annual event and will be announced in the coming days.
The purpose of the BHPYYB is to celebrate Black history, heritage and culture by highlighting notable people -- children and adults -- who make an impact in El Dorado and Union County in areas of education, sports, business, community service, etc.
Awards will be presented to honorees during the banquet.
"Everything is going great. We have great honorees for this year and like it's been for each and every year, they are very deserving of the honor," said Bailey.
For more information, call Bailey at 870-310-0391.