Melbourne's 'Ms. Dot' Honored for Decades of Feeding Community

87-year-old Dorothy 'Dot' Linson to receive Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Citizen Honors Award for Service

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04am

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Dorothy 'Dot' Linson, an 87-year-old community advocate in Melbourne, Florida, will be honored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for her decades-long work providing free, fresh-cooked meals for children, seniors, and others in south Brevard County. Known as 'Ms. Dot,' Linson's annual Thanksgiving communal meal and summer feedings for local children have drawn praise from thousands over the years.

Why it matters

Linson's story highlights the impact that one person can have in addressing food insecurity and building community in their local area. Her selfless dedication to feeding those in need, despite her own humble beginnings, serves as an inspiring example of the power of compassion and service.

The details

Linson, who was born the daughter of sharecroppers in Alabama, left for Florida in 1960 and began providing meals for residents at the Lipscomb Center (now the Eddie Lee Taylor Sr. Community Center) in Melbourne after noticing that many older adults had no food. This solo effort grew into an annual community Thanksgiving dinner that has continued for over 20 years, even through the pandemic. Linson has used her own money to ensure that no one in her community goes hungry.

  • Linson left Alabama for Florida in 1960.
  • Linson began providing meals at the Lipscomb Center in the late 1990s.
  • Linson started the annual community Thanksgiving dinner in 1999.
  • Linson will receive the 2026 Citizen Honors Award for Service on March 25, 2026.

The players

Dorothy 'Dot' Linson

An 87-year-old community advocate in Melbourne, Florida, who has dedicated decades to providing free, home-cooked meals for children, seniors, and others in need in her community.

David Gillespie

The Melbourne Police Chief who nominated Linson for the Citizen Honors Award.

Britt Slabinski

The president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which is honoring Linson.

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What they’re saying

“You know, I still can't explain how I feel. I'm just happy and overwhelmed. I would never dream that someone would think enough of me to notice what I have done to put in for me to get this kind of recognition.”

— Dorothy 'Dot' Linson

“Ms. Dot represents the very heart of what the Citizen Honors Awards exist to recognize. While the Medal of Honor is awarded for actions in combat, its values — selflessness, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to others — are lived out every day in communities across our nation.”

— Britt Slabinski, President, Congressional Medal of Honor Society

“For more than two decades, Ms. Dot has quietly and faithfully cared for those around her by feeding families, supporting seniors and children, and ensuring that no one is forgotten. Her example is clear: Courage is found wherever someone chooses to put others before themselves.”

— Britt Slabinski, President, Congressional Medal of Honor Society

What’s next

Linson and the other Citizen Honors Award recipients will be flown to Washington, D.C. for a three-day event, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an awards ceremony at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on March 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Dorothy 'Dot' Linson's story is a testament to the power of compassion and service, and how one person can make a profound difference in their community. Her decades-long dedication to feeding the hungry, regardless of her own humble beginnings, is an inspiration and a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.