Local Churches Feed Thousands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Long lines full of men, women even children, standing and waiting for a bit to eat. That was the scene outside the Carolina Coliseum Thanksgiving morning. On a day when millions of Americans across the country spend time at home with family, Columbia’s needy turned out in numbers for their guaranteed meal of the year. “If we didn’t have a way here, we wouldn’t have been able to eat,” said one man. Inside, volunteers worked to greet the crowds. Crandall Sims repoting, “This meal is co-sponsored by the First Baptist Church and St. Peters Catholic Church both of Columbia. The two churches have been working together on the project for more than 20 years. But this meal isn’t just for the homeless, instead the meals you see being boxed up behind me are actually for those that are shut-in and cannot make it here.” We’re told shut-ins account for 986 meals served. The event is dubbed by some as the “Feed the Hungry,” event. A need for food is exactly what you see on so many faces here. For the faith community it’s a time to give. “Because that is what Christ told us to do. He said, you know, you fed me when I was hungry, you clothed me when I needed clothing,” says Ron Paull of First Baptist Church of Columbia. For the homeless, it’s a warm meal on a cold day. “Being warm, hopefully getting warm clothes,” said one woman. Over 300 volunteers turned out for the event to feed nearly 2500 people. Those involved say it’s a day to give to those less fortunate and if only for a shortwhile, it’s a warm place for them to go with a roof over their heads and food on the table. “Because God Bless America and it’s real,” said one man. This is the 22nd year for the event. We’re told since it started nearly 75,000 people have been fed.