Lisa Thomas McMillan may not be able to multiply loaves and fishes as was done in the Bible, but her ministry of love and compassion can stretch financial gifts to feed multitudes of area residents in need.

Spike Maxell, owner, and Toni Sanders, marketing representative with Spike Maxwell Insurance Agency presented an $800 gift to McMillan to help further the work she already does in the community.

“We are always looking for worthwhile causes to contribute to in our community,” Maxwell said. “We know what Lisa does is very worthwhile and we wanted to help her in her ministry.”

Maxwell called McMillan’s work a ministry of love and compassion. The task she tackles every day feeds hungry students, adults and the elderly in the Brewton area. McMillan agreed the work is a ministry saying it’s just something she feels she has to do.

“I know what it’s like to be hungry and homeless,” McMillan said. “I see so many that are hungry every day and this is what I can do to help. People just don’t realize that this is so necessary.”

McMillan currently operates under the Drexel and Honeybee logo from the café area of the Jefferson Davis Community College student center. From the small kitchen, students, staff and the community can receive a low-cost, nutritional meal.

“If she finds out somebody needs a meal, she makes sure they get it,” Sanders said. “It doesn’t matter to her if you can pay or not, or just a little — she makes sure everyone who is hungry is fed to the best of her ability.”

Sanders said the idea to contribute to McMillan’s cause was a natural choice for the company.

“We are always looking for a way to donate to local organizations to help our community,” Sanders said. “We have always believed in the work that Lisa does. She puts her heart and soul into the work and we wanted to help her in anyway we could. She not only provides a good breakfast and lunch for the students at JD, she makes sure the elderly are fed as well. She is just the most amazing person and we want to show our support for what she does every day.”

McMillan said she plans to use the contributions to help purchase paper goods and food items for the coming months.

“This is our brokest time of the year,” McMillan laughed. “This donation will certainly help us get through the semester and see that everyone who needs a meal here at the school gets a meal.”