Thanksgiving Food and Clothing Drive at Southland Church in Steinbach.
Over 1500 people turn out for much-needed food and clothing
By 8:30 am this past Thursday, October 14th, hundreds stood at the entrance of the Southland Church in Steinbach waiting to search through the more than 80 tables, set up inside, for much needed food and clothing.
Organizers of the event estimate that several tons of clothes, shoes, toys, bedding, and household items were given away in addition to approximately 800 hampers. Numbers were up over last year with a total of 1546 attending the event with 1200 of those arriving in the first 2 hours.
This was the 4th annual Food and Clothing Drive for the local church who opened its doors to anyone in need. “Whether it’s giving through the annual food and clothing drive; joining in the annual Pick up ‘n Walk; giving to the Bethesda Cancer Clinic and other community social agencies; or ministering to the community through our addictions ministry; it’s all motivated by the same thing: we’re filled with love for our community, because God first loved us,” explained Ray Duerksen, Sr. Pastor at Southland.
Each person or family who attended were supplied with large bags to fill but many people came prepared with their own carts and bags. “I just came here from Mexico with my family two weeks ago,” said a father who attended along with his wife and their 8 children. “I could get winter clothes for everyone.” He was joined by other families new to the area who took advantage of the annual event held in October to coincide with Thanksgiving. In addition to bags that people filled with clothes, there were numerous rows of shoes, tables filled with winter outerwear, and toys. As each family left the church, they were also give hampers, toiletries and even diapers as needed. Organizers at Southland Church plan on a 5th annual Food and Clothing Drive around Thanksgiving in 2011 with the date to be announced.
