Henderson County I. M. A. helps people in need

Sis. Helen Burton (left), Eldress Mary Henderson H. C. I. M. A. financial secretary, Sis. Etta Pearl Jackson, and Michael Anglin preparing the Thanksgiving food baskets for 24 families in the community. (Courtesy photo)

By Delanda S. Johnson/ Special to HCNow

As we prepare to give thanks for all that the Lord has done for us, the Henderson County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance turn their attention to those who are in need. For some people, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the loneliness time of the year.

However, on Monday, Nov. 20, the Henderson County I. M. A. met the needs of 24 families in Henderson County by giving them Thanksgiving baskets. The baskets contained a large hen, sweet potatoes, green bean, stuffing, etc., things to make their Thanksgiving a happy one.

Rev. Oscar Verdell, President said, “We know that we could not feed everyone who is in need, but for these 24 families this small donation will hopefully make their holiday a little more bright. We are an organization that is about helping those in need and winning souls for the Lord.”

Mrs. Helen Burton wife of Rev. Judge Bill Burton and Pastor of Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church in Athens, said, “Preparing these Thanksgiving baskets gives me a sense of helping those who are less fortunate who cannot help themselves, but to show them that they are a value to the community. This is the season of Thanksgiving and we want to make sure that everybody has a good Thanksgiving. Rev. Burton and I along with our church family are responsible for three baskets to give to the families who just need a little help at this time of year; to make sure that there is food on their tables. As the new First Lady of Allen Chapel A. M. E. church so far things have been going well; we are a church on the move for Christ and His Kingdom building.”

Eldress Mary Henderson, Pastor of The Church Of The Living God, PGT in Athens and also the treasurer for the Henderson County I. M. A., said, “We are grateful to be apart of the Henderson County I. M. A., to be able to have a voice in the communities, a voice to give thanks when it is needed and to give aid when it is needed, a voice to let the Henderson County area know that Christ is our Lord and Savior. We are an organization filled with love; wanting to make sure that everyone has a good Thanksgiving by providing the food baskets. We are thankful to God for letting us acquire this food to give to these 24 families and we hope that they know that a lot of love went into providing this for them; but most of all we want these families to know that God loves them and will never leave them no matter what their situations may be; all they need to do is just call on His Name.”

Evangelist Alma Berry H. C. I. M. A. secretary placing a large size hen in the food basket for someone in the community to have for Thanksgiving dinner. (Courtesy photo)