BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
For several years, Pastor Moses Brown, founder of Feed Our Children, Inc., has provided for needy families during the holidays. And, each year, he has witnessed the number of families he helps increase.
Last year, Pastor Brown said there were so many requests for assistance that he reached out to Dr. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne, Senior Pastors of The River Church, 3738 River International Drive, and his congregation.
“I ran out last year, and contacted Pastor Daniel McGehee, Outreach Pastor for The River Church. We ended up with everything we need and everyone was taken care of. This year, we decided to work together,” Pastor Brown said.
This year, the two organizations have joined forces to minister to the needs of the community. On Sunday, December 19th, beginning at 10 a.m., the organizations will distribute groceries and toys at the church. They are expecting to serve more than 2,000 people at the church.
Pastor McGehee said the church began its Outreach Program in 2008, and provides free groceries to needy families every Sunday. Last year, The River Church began offering bus service for those without transportation.
[private]Pastor McGehee said, “It’s exciting to watch God move. We don’t have everything we need, but we know that all needs will be met.”
Pastor Brown said, “We know that what God gives, He will provide for. He provides answers to every prayer. We just have to watch the hands of God move.”
The pastors said anyone who wishes to help make this event successful can make a tax deductible donation or submit an unwrapped toy for a child in need. Those wishing to contribute can contact the church.
The buses will pick up residents at several locations throughout the city.
The bus locations and pickup times are: beginning at 8:30 a.m., Jackson Heights on Lindell; 8:40 a.m., Belmont Heights on Lake; 8:45 a.m., on Central Avenue, Robles Park; 9 a.m., Central Court Apartments; 9 a.m., Tampa Park Apartments on Scott Street; 8:30 a.m., Main Street, North Blvd. Homes; and 8:40 a.m., C. Blythe Andrews Apartments.
Buses will also pickup at 8:30 a.m., Royal Park Apartments in front parking lot; 9:30 a.m., Kenneth and Johnson Court Apartments; 8:30 a.m., 47th Street for Seminole Apartments; 8:35 a.m., Nuccio Park Apartments; 8:40 a.m., Brookside Main Entrance and 9:30 a.m., back Entrance on Henry for Meridian Pointe Apartments.
Residents living in the Fletcher and Fowler areas will be picked up at 8:30 a.m., and those living in the Sulphur Springs area will be picked up at 9:20 a.m. Residents are asked to call for pick up locations.
The pastors are encouraging anyone in need of assistance to pre-register by calling (813) 71-9999, ext. 267.[/private]
