It’s the season for being thankful and two NSU graduates are simply thankful they can give back to the Natchitoches community.

Phillip Jean-Louis Jr. and Carlos Hartwell dig deep into their own pockets to hold their 4th annual “Come Give Thanks With Us Dinner.” This year food will be served Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 am – 2 pm at the John Below Community Center, located at 1320 Dixie Street in Natchitoches.

Goodie bags filled with snacks will also be passed out for families to take home.

“Thanksgiving is a fun day for us,” said Hartwell. “We draw a lot of community families under one roof and we’re surrounded by good people.”

The duo began their mission in 2014 as part of The Gloria Project Family Integrated Services, LLC. Last year they fed around 250 people.

Volunteers come to serve a hearty Thanksgiving meal from four different cities. Hartwell and Jean-Louis agree that it feels good helping people and giving others the same opportunity.

“You see the genuine smiles on their faces,” said Jean-Louis. “It makes you take a step back and realize God’s work. All it takes is a spark and the next thing you know you’ve got a flame.”

To volunteer or donate contact Hartwell at 318-609-0766 or Jean-Louis at 337-852-4242.