Three years ago, 9/11 was on a Wednesday, and Wilson Marseilles asked the Wednesday Noon Lions Club what they could do to commemorate the day. They decided that feeding first responders lunch would be appreciated and appropriate.  

After that first year, the act of service has continued and grown, with Kiwanis and Rotary joining the Lions to serve first responders. Each club takes turns leading, while the others assist. This year, Anstaff Bank did the grilling, while Walmart, Hudson’s, Pepsi, Casey Scribner-State Farm, Tankersly Foods, and Recovery Center of the Ozarks provided food and service.

Representatives from Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions, Kyle Mallet, Larry Brandt, and Wilson Marseilles, thanked the first responders for the service they provide for the community. 

Marseilles said afterward, “It may have started as our idea and implementation at Lions Club, but we love having the chance to collaborate with the other clubs. Many hands make light work!” 

Mayor Jerry Jackson said he was very proud of how our city, county, and civic clubs come together to care for our citizens. “I witnessed firsthand a bad accident at the junction of 65/South and Business 65. I was amazed at how quickly the sheriff’s office, the city police and fire departments, and the ambulance service arrived. Each one knew exactly what their job was, and they didn’t even take the time to greet one another. They immediately began caring for the citizens involved. I was very proud of our community that day. These people save lives!