Hundreds of families picked up boxes of food at St. James’, Houston, to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.
“St. James’ is a beacon of light in the community.” – Bishop Andy Doyle
The pandemic has caused the Third Ward neighborhood food pantry to close its doors, and St. James’ has stepped up to fill the gap.
Community outreach and the Thanksgiving spirit both remain alive and well at St. James’ during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In an effort to serve the wider community this holiday, St. James’ hosted a Thanksgiving Food Giveaway event on Saturday, November 21, 2020. The event was free, and it was open to all.
Cars began lining up as early as 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and the line weaved down Southmore Boulevard and onto several side streets in the neighborhood.
Other safety protocols were in effect with everyone wearing masks, getting temperature checks, and COVID-19 screenings were administered. Social distancing was enforced, and gloves and hand sanitizer were readily available for use.
All Praise to God, over 500 boxes and bags of food were given out, helping countless families this Thanksgiving.
Thank you to the community partners that assisted in the giveaway. The Office of State Senator Borris Miles donated vouchers for turkeys. Houston City Council District D Office – Carolyn Evans-Shabazz coordinated the delivery from Houston Food Bank. Several office staffers and Council Member Evans-Shabazz volunteered to hand out the food boxes. The Houston Chapter of Charms, Inc., a social organization, donated the candied yams and marshmallows and assisted with packing boxes. Several church ministries participated as well. The John D. Epps Chapter of Union of Black Episcopalians provided the cranberry sauce, green vegetables, desserts, and mac n’ cheese. St. James’ chapters of Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King brought stuffing and gravy, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew gave turkeys, hams, and gift cards. Special thanks to the Watson and Wesley families for the canned green vegetables. And to all the volunteers – the event was successful due to your selflessness and willingness to serve the people of God’s Kingdom.
St. James’ Episcopal Church, Houston – “Bringing People Together and Helping Them to be Christ-like.”
