Community gathers in spirit of giving
The spirit of giving flourished Thanksgiving morning at Corona Community AME Church’s Family Meal celebration.
Struggling families carried heavy plates of turkey and mashed potatoes. Children laughed and jumped in a bounce house. And people browsed through piles of donated clothes.
In a collaborative effort with Living The Love Walk ministries and several other organizations, Corona Community AME Church distributed food, clothes and hygiene kits to around 450 local homeless and struggling families in Corona. Over 26 turkeys and 27 side dishes were served.
Corona resident and pastor Charles Lee Johnson, who struggled with poverty growing up in South Central, Los Angeles, said he relied on his church for aid. He now strives to give back to the community.
“I believe that’s what a church is supposed to do. It’s supposed to reach out to the community,” Johnson said.
While many churches choose to host community giveaways on other days, Johnson said it’s an important sacrifice to help the needy on Thanksgiving Day.
“When you’re thankful for what God has done in your life, you don’t have to make it convenient for you,” he said. “You can make the sacrifice and be out.”
Throughout the morning, families and homeless browsed through donated clothes and enjoyed warm meals. The Family Meal Worship Team, a Christian band of members from different churches, played while people talked and children played.
