Hundreds of people at Southland Church in Steinbach searching through more than 100 tables of food and clothing at the annual Thanksgiving Food and Clothing Drive.
By 8:30 am today, hundreds stood inside the lobby of the Southland Church in Steinbach waiting to search through the more than 100 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 hundreds of hampers. Over 1000 people benefited from the free food and clothing with 700 of those arriving in the first 2 hours.
This was the 6th 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, Senior 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. “My family and I recently moved here from Paraguay with only summer clothes. We have 9 children and were able to get each child a winter parka and even mittens and warm hats” commented a mother with a number of her children in tow. She was joined by others including families from Winkler, Vita, Winnipeg and other surrounding communities, all taking 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 given food hampers, toiletries and even diapers as needed. Over 400 people from the church volunteered for the event including 130 grade 5 to 9 students who put the food hampers together. Organizers at Southland Church plan on a 7th annual Food and Clothing Drive to be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012.
