A Lincoln County congregation got into the holiday spirit with an event that fed hundreds Saturday and will mean a Thanksgiving meal for hundreds more this week.
The 120-person congregation at Redemption Outreach Center provided ready-to-cook Thanksgiving meals to 325 needy families in the community. The families took home frozen turkeys, dressing, vegetables, and pumpkin pies.
Carl Brown, associate pastor at Redemption Outreach Center, said church members donated the money to pay for the meals. They also cooked up a hot dog lunch for everyone involved with Saturday’s event — volunteers and food recipients alike.
The volunteers, including more than a dozen children, spent Saturday morning helping carry meals to waiting cars.
Tina Moore, of Lincolnton, said the food from Redemption Outreach will feed her family of four this Thanksgiving.
“It helps out a lot and it means a lot to have people come out and help when you need it the most,” she said. “It means the world to me. I appreciate every bit of it.”
Constance Cooper, of Lincolnton, said she enjoyed her hot dog lunch at the church. She’s also appreciative of the turkey and trimmings to take home.
“I love everybody. You know, we’re all supposed to do things for everybody. I’m thankful every day,” she said.
Church members helped select the community residents who received meals, and a local ministry suggested other families who needed help this Thanksgiving.