BY JENN SAMSEL
On Monday, November 24th, 125 residents from Bradford came to Starke’s First Baptist Church to receive turkeys and food baskets containing meals for up to 10 people per family. Distribution of turkeys and food baskets was on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walmart provided turkeys and food baskets and included Thanksgiving recipes from the community members.
“It’s just something that we just felt like the Lord wanted us to do to help out our community, and we want to thank our local Walmart for working with us and making sure that we had all the items needed for these baskets, along with all the volunteers who assisted us with making the baskets,” said Melissa Gillenwaters-Reddish, Community Church Member.
The church initially pledged to secure 50 food baskets, but the members asked to contribute a special offering for an additional 50 baskets. In total, they were able to secure 125 baskets more than initially intended.
“Honestly, as a pastor, I’m thrilled to pieces when church members come to me with an idea, with a way to take the gospel to the community, and this is just one of those ways I love it. I want to show the love of God to the community practically, and this is just one way. Hopefully, this is just the first of many ways that we’re gonna be able to do that going forward,” said Patrick Martin, Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church
Some residents traveled long distances to pick up turkey and food baskets.
Several residents expressed their gratitude and joy for having a great Thanksgiving.
“I read the turkey drive in the newspaper, and I came to get the turkey for my Thanksgiving dinner. I have a large family,” said Paulette Strong, resident of Bradford.
