Ohio Church Expands Thanksgiving Charity to Aid More Families
In a heartwarming display of community support, Rust City Church in Niles, Ohio, is set to distribute an impressive 20,000 pounds of food, including 300 turkeys, to local families in need this Thanksgiving season.
Known for its vibrant congregation of about 1,000 weekly attendees, Rust City Church is organizing this large-scale food distribution on Wednesday evening through an initiative called “Give Back Before You Kick Back.”
The church is not only focusing on food; volunteers will also provide essential items like diapers to families with infants, as highlighted by Pastor Karl Wendel. “A combination of generous donations from our congregation, partnerships with local businesses, and our collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank, whose support has been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone,” enabled this massive effort, Wendel shared with The Christian Post.
The distribution will take place in the Eastwood Mall parking lot, where the church is located. The event will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensuring that all attendees have an equal chance to receive assistance.
Adding to the community spirit, the church will offer hot cocoa and host a hot dog cart for visitors. Volunteers will also be available to offer prayers to those who wish for spiritual support during the event.
Last year’s event saw Rust City Church aiding approximately 350 families, and this year, organizers anticipate helping around 400 families. Pastor Wendel noted, “The scale has grown significantly, reflecting our church’s deepened commitment to serving the community and addressing food insecurity.”
“We hope to convey God’s love and care through this outreach, reminding people they are seen, valued, and not alone. This is about more than meeting physical needs — it’s about fostering hope and connection,” Wendel emphasized.
Beyond the Thanksgiving event, Rust City Church maintains its commitment to community aid through its “Midweek Outreach,” which provides groceries to as many as 150 families each week.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
