“It doesn’t get any better than this” - 190 Turkeys to local families in need
It was one of the first really cold and windy days this fall and people were bundled up in a long line outside our building. They were waiting for the truck to come with a free Thanksgiving meal for their families.
Shortly before Thanksgiving we did a turkey giveaway to 190 families. Each family was given a turkey and also a full meal of other goods such as assorted fresh produce, dry and baked goods, desserts, milk, and snacks.
When talking to some of the people who received this gift of food, our neighbor Diane, said “I live across the street. I come out here all the time. I think this is so awesome what they’re doing for the people. It’s such a blessing. It doesn’t get any better than this. I’m so grateful to God for Greenhouse.”
In addition to the “regulars” there were a number of people we met for the first time that day. They had never been to Greenhouse Project before and most had heard about the turkey drive because a neighbor had told them.
That is exactly what we’re looking for. We want to be a church in the community, helping our neighbors who in turn can help theirs. The fact that people who come to us encourage others to come also is wonderful.
That’s how Samantha, who has a baby, heard about us. She said “I’ve been seeing you guys do [food outreach] a lot, I just never came over.” We were able to tell her a bit more about what we do for the community and services we offer. She was looking forward to getting “to eat with family, see everybody that I haven’t seen.”
Greenhouse Project started food outreach because one of our neighbors noticed a family in need. She said, “Pastor John, that family just took in their two grandkids and they don’t have food for the holidays.”
How can we ever be at peace or give thanks to our Lord knowing that grandparents and children don’t have enough to eat? Especially the next generation.
James 2:15-16 says “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
We don’t just “hope” for change, we want to be the change through Christ. We want to be able to provide for our neighbors needs, both physical and most importantly spiritual.
Because of your generous donations Greenhouse is able to do food outreach almost every week and was also able to help these 190 families have a full meal for Thanksgiving. They will be able to enjoy the time with family and not have to worry about how to get a full meal for their loved ones.
Greenhouse Projects wants to meet the needs of those around them in many ways. Food is good, but we provide something so much more: faith, hope, and love.
For individuals without families we also wanted to provide for them in another way - with fellowship and family. Both Pastor John and Pastor Donny welcomed several individuals into their homes on Thanksgiving to ensure they have family to be with. These neighbors didn’t have family to spend the holidays with so we made sure they had someone.
Thank YOU for your part in helping us bless our neighbors with not only a full Thanksgiving meal but also love to go with it.