By Steve Oldfield
Children, Inc.
A small church in Dayton is proving that a few of the faithful can do big things when it comes to helping the homeless and hungry. Members of the Cornerstone Christian Church welcomed more than 200 people to an early Christmas Feast, a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
After the meal, kids chose from stacks of donated clothing and shoes, along with a toy.
“We want to make sure every child leaves here with a new outfit and a toy,” said organizer Jenny Poe. She says that all too often, children in Northern Kentucky ask for a basic necessity instead of a toy.
“Children in Dayton, Newport and Bellevue are asking for blankets,” Poe said, as her eyes filled with tears. “We want them to ask for toys for Christmas. It’s so sad that’s what it’s come to: ‘Can I please get a blanket instead of a baby doll.’”
Volunteers also give families a laundry basket filled with soap powder, toilet paper and other necessities.
While the feast and giveaway are a Christmas tradition, church members help the homeless all year ‘round. Every month, they hit the streets and deliver about 40 backpacks filled with necessities. That’s about the same number of people in their congregation.
“Most of them are retired but they all give what they can to help those in need,” said Poe.
“They always give ‘til they can’t give any more.”
Poe said that she and some other volunteers know what it’s like to struggle to pay the bills.
“I get up every morning and think, ‘I’ve got clean socks and a roll of toilet paper – I feel blessed,’” she said.
Many of the new articles of clothing and shoes they give away come from workers at the WalMart in Alexandria.
“Many of them are making minimum wage but they still give,” said Poe. “For them, 10 bucks is two meals but they still donate.”
She says that 10 dollars goes a long way to helping those in need in Northern Kentucky.
“People think that when you ask for a donation you want a million dollars – we just want a clean blanket or towel – it’s the smallest little things we really need.”
It’s the fourth year for the feast.
“If we can give them something to make their life a little bit easier, that’s what we’re gonna do,” Poe said. “We want our neighbors to know that we’re a church that cares about you.”
All photos by Steve Oldfield:
