Church Hosts A Feast Of Generosity
A church in Ohio is preparing to distribute 20,000 pounds of food, including 300 turkeys, to families in need this Thanksgiving season. Rust City Church, located in Niles, will host the event on Wednesday evening, calling it “Give Back Before You Kick Back.” This outreach initiative aims to support families by providing food and essential items before the holiday.
Pastor Karl Wendel shared that the church gathered the large amount of food through contributions from its congregation, partnerships with local businesses, and significant support from Second Harvest Food Bank. Volunteers will also distribute other necessities, such as diapers for families with young children, emphasizing the event’s goal of addressing multiple community needs.
The food distribution will take place in the parking lot of the Eastwood Mall, where the church campus is located. Food and supplies will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors will also be offered hot cocoa, refreshments from a hot dog cart, and an opportunity to receive prayer from church volunteers.
Last year’s event provided food for approximately 350 families, and organizers expect to serve around 400 this year, reflecting the growing scale of the program. According to Pastor Wendel, the expansion highlights the church’s ongoing commitment to combat food insecurity and bring hope to the community. “This effort is about more than meeting physical needs; it’s about reminding people they are seen, valued, and cared for,” Wendel said.
Beyond the Thanksgiving giveaway, Rust City Church also runs a “Midweek Outreach” program, offering groceries to up to 150 families weekly. These initiatives are part of the church’s broader mission to provide consistent support to those facing hardship.