The Covenant Messiah Church brings Thanksgiving to families in need with a basket outreach effort from The Waters in Washington Township.
Washington Township-- The Covenant Messiah Church assembled then assembled during their second annual Thanksgiving Basket Outreach at The Waters in Washington Township on Saturday.
Outreach Coordinator Linda Kilpatrick describes a process that starts much earlier than the week before Thanksgiving. Beginning in October, a call for volunteers gets the ball rolling. Now those volunteers can donate time, money, or even adopt a whole family. This years event supported 47 families.
The size of the donation depends on the size of the family. A family will receive a basket and then possibly one to four additional bags of food.
Member Marilyn Demko helped with the packaging. Marilyn, of Mantua, said she loves doing things for the community and added, "Even though we don't know who the basket goes to, we know that someone will be blessed."
Volunteer Theresa DeWoody, of Franklinville, says of the experience, "It is so much fun and so rewarding."
In addition to members of the congregation who are in need, baskets are donated to local families, and The Center for People in Transition in Sewell. Linda Kilpatrick adds that many families have babies and small children. Including one family situation where a single mother has just passed away, leaving behind two small children.
Last year and this year, community partnerships were formed with Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Shop Rite, Rowan University, and Chick-fil-A. Both Target and Wal-Mart donated gift cards. Area Chick-fil-A locations donated nearly 200 free meal vouchers to the basket outreach.
ALSO: DO NOT OPEN DEPTFORD MALL ON THANKSGIVING DAY
Representing Rowan was senior Elizabeth Walz who is a member of the student chapter of the National Wellness Institute. Elizabeth, also a member of the Messiah Church congregation, was looking for a service project with her colleagues when the basket outreach presented itself. They put the word out and received a positive response.
"Funds are limited for college students", says Elizabeth. "But contributions add up and the students are happy to give." The Rowan group put together enough donations for six baskets.
Specialty baskets of appreciation were also donated to the fire department and police department, with one special basket going to the family of fallen Washington Township police officer, Corporal Steven Levy.
Pastor Debra Groller first brought the idea to the table last year, saying, "In a world that can be so full of hate, this is an effort to bring love to people's lives and let them know that someone cares."
The Covenant Messiah Church will be organizing another event for Christmas. The program--PS it's Christmas-- aims to provide pajamas and socks as well as any other needs to area families. Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.dgmevents.com for more info.
Jesse U. Bair may be reached at jbair@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bair_jesse. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.