Dozens fed, encouraged at event
Published 8:33 pm Monday, March 21, 2016
Dozens of people got free food, fellowship, entertainment and gifts at a Saturday event hosted by local organization Willing2Share.
Kathleen and Alan Reynolds run the organization with donated money. They put on events like Saturday’s periodically and help people in crisis year-around.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Kathleen Reynolds said of the couple’s ministry.
Saturday’s event was held at the Salvation Army’s Robert W. Harrell Jr. Physical Health and Education Center. Participants got lunch and entertainment, and there was a drawing for prizes.
At the end of the event, each family received toy coins based on the size of the family and was able to go “shopping” in a large store set up in a side room. Clothes, jackets, shoes, books, toys and DVDs all were available, and each person received a free Bible.
Reynolds said she and her husband purchased all the items in the store with donated money.
“We do really serious bargain shopping,” she said. “You don’t feel it so much, because you did it throughout the year.”
East End Baptist Church brought praise dancers and other volunteers, and First Baptist Church helped cook and serve the spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread and salad.
Kathleen Reynolds said the first two similar events were held around Thanksgiving. This was the first event held in the spring.
“I’m on a limited income, so it helps me stretch a little bit what I do get,” Elaine Jones said.
Reynolds said the organization ordinarily helps people prevent eviction or suspension of utilities and provides Christmas gifts, school supplies and other services.
Find more information on the organization at www.willing2share.com.