OKLAHOMA CITY –
As cars line up in the parking lot at Bethlehem Star Baptist Church, members inside prepare for a night of giving. It’s not your typical church service, as church members convert nearly every room of the church into a grocery warehouse.
“Green beans, corn, sweet peas, broth, cake, icing, mustard. You want me to continue? Jelly,” said giveaway coordinator Keith Dixon.
Providing everything a family will need for Thanksgiving dinner and beyond.
“We also provide a turkey, chicken, bacon, bologna,” said Dixon.
All for church and community families that signed up to receive, some as early as September.
“We don’t have a qualifying program. We believe if you need help, you simply ask,” said Rodney Payne, Pastor of Bethlehem Star Baptist Church.
No one is really sure how long the church has been doing this, but what started out for 10 families years ago has grown.
“This year we are scheduled to give away one hundred and five, simply for Thanksgiving only,” said Payne.
Volunteers navigate the halls of the church, sorting and separating groceries to help each family to have a happy Thanksgiving.
“You’ve had people cry and didn’t know that they were getting as much as they were and it’s a great feeling to see these people really appreciate what is given to them,” said Dixon.
“If we can take that one thing away from you, where you don’t have to worry about having a great holiday meal, to make memories with your family, we want to do it,” said Payne.
The church will do another grocery giveaway for Christmas. To sign up, visit their Facebook page @Bethlehem Star Baptist Church or leave a phone message with the church office 405.424.2410