On Saturday, November 18, St. James’ Episcopal (in historic Third Ward), and St. Martin’s, Houston, partnered once again in mission for Thanksgiving in the community St. James’ serves. The goal was to distribute all the staples necessary for a complete Thanksgiving meal to 500 families. Up from 300 families served last year, the commitment to this endeavor is just one of several successful ones over the past few years.
Spearheaded by St. James’, its parishioners donated a parish hall filled with non-perishable food items. Parishioners also donated gift cards. Instead of purchasing turkeys, due to the inability to store them, the parish began giving away gift cards in previous years in an amount allowing recipients to purchase their meat of choice. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church generously donated the funds for the lion’s share of the balance of the gift cards needed to meet the 500-giveaway meal goal.
In years past, St. Martin’s volunteers joined in the sorting of food items in advance, as well as the distribution of the meals to families on the day of the drive-through event. This year was no exception as staff from St. Martin’s joined to help sort the already organized items in what has become a near turnkey operation. Nearly 500 food boxes that included fresh food items and grocery store gift cards were distributed. The effort was also supported by the Janie Evans Brown Chapter of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), the Joseph Joubert Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and John D. Epps Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, and Boy Scouts Troup 212 – all affiliated with St. James’. Local celebrity disc jockey, Michele McKnight, also a member of St. James’, donated her services, adding the element of music as volunteers served the community, making the food distribution even more festive.
The parishes were blessed to be a blessing to a community in need. The gift from St. Martin’s comes on the heels of it receiving its 10,000th member. All involved personified what mission is about, and all who received were grateful to both churches for their generosity. With this project being cemented for years to come, these two congregations will continue to collaborate to serve communities in need in even more ways.
