It started off more than three decades ago with a handful of volunteers from First Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia.
The group, which included Dr. Dan Pate and Rome City Commissioner Jamie Doss, bought a few bags of groceries to distribute food boxes to those in need.
“This project sort of sprang from people wanting to give back to the community and help people in need and point them to Christ,” said Pate. “We just want to provide good food that people can use.”
After the first giveaway, it grew to 100, then 200 and now has ballooned to 650 volunteers, Pate said.
These 16-by-16 boxes can feed a family of four for about a week, and preparing and distributing them is an effort to deliver not just food but an important message.
Pate said that in the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s often forgotten that the most powerful gift to give is something bigger.
“We miss the point,” Pate said. “This helps us focus on what’s important. It’s not about gifts. It’s about Christ.”
Along with each box handed out, a prayer is included.
“Just to touch people and pray with them is powerful,” Pate said.
And while the church has been ministering through this holiday distribution for 34 years, Pate said it takes a village to organize an event of this magnitude.
“It’s not about us,” Pate said. “It’s about giving back to the Lord and letting people know that here in Rome, we care.”
Community partners include Good Neighbor Ministries, the Bagwell Food Pantry and other members of the Rome-Floyd County communities who see the need and want to help.
“Every year, it’s such a blessing,” said Pate. “The Bible says, I will bless you to be a blessing. We’ve been blessed so we want to be a blessing to others.”
Anyone can sign up for a box, which must be done through Good Neighbor during hours of operation, Pate said.
In years past, the event has been held at the church, however there is a new site this year — the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. And it will take an army of volunteers to prepare for distribution day, Pate said.
“This is all hands on deck,” Pate said. “Many hands make light work.”
The operation starts on Dec. 21 with unloading of boxes and food donations from 9 a.m. to noon.
About 200 volunteers are expected to show up on Dec. 22 to help assemble and organize food from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Pate said to come hungry because pizza will be provided.
Food will be passed out on Dec. 23 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and, with the new location, Pate said to look for posted signs for directions.
There is still time sign up to receive a food box. Applications are accepted at the Good Neighbor Ministries office at 208 E. Second St.
Credit: Rome News-Tribune
Credit: Rome News-Tribune
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