Hundreds of South Mississippians stood in line at the Biloxi Town Green where more than 1,500 lunches were served and more than 500 pounds of donations dropped off to benefit New York City firemen.

"We just want to say thank you," Jessica Mcneel, who chaired the Nov. 30 event, told WLOX.

As survivors of Hurricane Katrina the town echoes Matthew Lambert, who said, "So many people over the years, all the many, many years, have helped us and our friends and families. It's our turn."

"We want them to know we appreciate and continue to appreciate all they've done for us," explained Ms. Mcneel, who volunteers for the fire department's Junior Auxillary.

You can still drop off donations and gifts at any Biloxi fire station.

(READ the story from WLOX)