Over 80 volunteers gave their time to bring food and hope to local food banks, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and other houses of worship.
Huntington Beach, CA. (July 19, 2022) - When the big rig truck full of 40,000 pounds of canned and nonperishable pantry food arrived it was a symbol of partnering together with local churches and volunteers to support those in need. It was filled with 26 pallets, a total of over 1500 boxes to feed the hungry in Huntington Beach and surrounding cities.
The First Christian church in Huntington Beach generously donated their parking lot to distribute food such as spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, canned beef, pasta, jam, flour, beans, and even laundry detergent. Jericho Rhoten, FCC outreach director commented.
“The food gave us a massive boost to meet the increasing needs of our community.”
Organizer Jynene Johnson said over 80 volunteers signed up on Justserve.org to carry boxes to each of the nonprofit vehicles. Tuesday morning in a coordinated effort all ages came together to unload the truck, divvy up the food based on what each food pantry most needs, and then load those items into their vehicles. The volunteers included all ages from 8 - 78 years old giving their time to help others in need in the middle of the day.
“We sometimes are too focused on differences and not looking for the similarities we hold in common. We are all children of God, in one family, as brothers and sisters.” Johnson said. “We are on the same team and our duty is to love one another.”
Volunteer Holly Jones shared these sentiments.
“It was an awesome experience to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together to help our community”.Jones said “I volunteered because it was a great opportunity to serve with my children.” www.Justserve.org brings organizations and volunteers together to do good things for the community.
Refuge Calvary Chapel which received food, appreciated the faithful support of The Church of Jesus Christ according to representative David Lindsay.
“There was more food than our trucks could carry,” said Lindsay. “The food could not have come at a better time as we have been receiving less food lately.”.
Mal Richardson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Huntington Beach explained his vision::
“We are grateful for the opportunity to share our food and love for the community. We hope the food will restock shelves with healthy nonperishables.” Richardson said. “Because we believe and follow the teachings of Jesus, we serve our neighbors.”
This large donation adds to the ongoing work the Church does to help those in need of essential items such as food, clothing, school supplies, and home goods. The church also supports the community with self-reliance workshops at www.selfimprovement.org. For information email johnsonj@comm.churchofjesuschrist.org or www.churchofjesuschristhb.org