May 21, 2013
News
Seven Macon Churches Give Food to People For Thanksgiving
Cristen Drummond
Inside the Unionville Baptist Church recreation center on Saturday, hundreds of people received boxes of food that will be their only Thanksgiving meal.
"I thank God that you know that me and my grand kids are getting this meal," Linda Solomon said.
A meal that Solomon said she wouldn't have because of tough economic times.
"It's really hard on everybody right now, not only me but everybody else," Solomon said.
The event called "777 Thanksgiving Boxes For 777 Families," was organized by a group of seven Macon churches. More than 800 boxes were prepared to accommodate families wanting food for Thanksgiving. While the churches always put on a Thanksgiving church service, this is the first time they're hosting a community health fair and giving out free food.
"We want to show the community that we are concerned about the whole human being, the mind, your body and your spirit." event organizer, Donnie Addison said.
While organizers said they're glad to help those who wouldn't have a meal come Thursday, it also reminds them how many people are struggling financially.
"We really just wanted to make some type of an impact to the let the community know that we really do care," Addison said.
Inside the boxes are 14 non-perishable items donated by the seven churches including canned goods and a hen. Many people who picked up a box said they're grateful to receive the food in order to give their family a Thanksgiving meal."
"I have two small children so it really helps a lot." Erica Watson said.
"If it weren't for them, there would probably be a lot of hungry folks out there." Solomon said.
Hungry people that said this meal will be the difference between an empty stomach and being able to enjoy Thanksgiving.
"A lot of people do appreciate stuff like this," Watson said.
All the leftover boxes were donated to the Salvation Army. The seven churches are called the Unity Group Fellowship and will hold their annual Thanksgiving Day service on Thursday at Pentecostal Temple.
