Vine Baptist Church volunteers were hard at work Saturday morning handing out food bags to the community. 

The church members met at 9 a.m. Saturday at their location on C. Rody Road. They were handing out large bags full of Thanksgiving essentials like instant mashed potatoes, canned goods, dinner rolls, and of course a turkey breast. 

Church members decided to give back to the community this holiday season because they want everyone to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

“Our pastor met with the deacons and he had the idea of feeding 5,000 folks, which is the story out of the Bible and we associated it with Thanksgiving,” said congregation member Jamey Hyder. “Our church has been very blessed and we wanted to return and give back to the community and have everyone have a happy Thanksgiving.”

Church members made a total of 1,000 food bags with each bag designed to feed a family of five. Along with giving back to the community, volunteers also had a good time getting the bags together and handing them out.

“It’s been a fun time. There has been a lot of comradery within our church and just seeing smiling faces and giving smiling faces back and just wishing people a happy Thanksgiving. It’s been fun, a lot of fun,” said Hyder.

The church also took it a step further and went out into the community to deliver to those who were unable to drive by and get a bag.

“It was really busy this morning when we started at 9 a.m.,” said congregation member Lori Kesey. “We have really had a good time going to the apartments and delivering to the people where they are.”

Some people who experience food insecurity throughout the year are too afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Hyder says there is no need to be embarrassed for needing food or being hungry. 

He said if the Lord is able to provide it, there is no need to be embarrassed for needing help.