PLAINS, Ga. — A group of local volunteers from all over Georgia gathered in Plains to feed support staff providing security during the three days of memorials for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Dressed in their typical uniform -- yellow shirts and caps -- 30 volunteers from local nonprofit Georgia Baptist Mission Board Disaster Relief served thousands of meals to service members from different agencies starting Saturday.
From Georgia State Patrol troopers to National Guard members, volunteers ensured the men and women working security were taken care of.
"Our goal is to provide them with three hot meals a day," David Reynolds with the nonprofit said.
Made up entirely of generous volunteers, Georgia Baptist Mission Board Disaster Relief provides hope, help and healing to communities affected by disasters.
According to Reynolds, volunteers with the nonprofit had been preparing to offer support during memorial services for the former first lady for years.
Local volunteers feed security team in Plains during Rosalynn Carter services
"This is a way that we can show the respect for the office of president and the former first lady that we have from here," Reynolds said. "No matter our beliefs or ideologies or any other things, we come together in times like these to be Americans and support those who have served us well."
Rosalynn, a trailblazing mental health advocate and one-half of the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history, died at the age of 96 in Plains on Nov. 19.
Volunteers served over 1,500 meals in partnership with the Salvation Army during their time in her hometown of Plains.
The three days of commemorations for the former first lady ended with a motorcade and funeral procession Wednesday afternoon, the same day Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers served their last meal in Plains.
"We're the guys on the ground. We love to be around people. We love to serve people. We love to help people and that's what makes us do what we do," Reynolds explained.