Feeding of the Multitude 2022

We were blessed all day long-beautiful fall day, lots of joy and many smiles from our dedicated volunteers and also the hundreds of people who received food.

We had to open the Feeding at 10:35 a.m. because Bohicket was starting to back up.  There were cars there at 8 a.m. in the morning, which shows how desperately some people need food.  By 2:45 p.m. we had given out all of our 1000 $20 gift cards and we had very few bags left over.  

At 3 p.m. we closed for the 15th time, holding hands in a circle, singing Amazing Grace, led by Ms. Harriet LF Johnson.  Folks who arrived after 3 to pick up food, joined us and then were given bags of groceries.  The few bags that were left were given to Food Banks and to the MOM’s food delivery program.  While we were cleaning up, a few more people drove up, and we gave everyone food.

The Home-bound food delivery program went without a hitch from Faith Lutheran Church. Nearly 200 plated meals went out and 225 bags of groceries and frozen chickens were delivered to our shut-in Island neighbors by church delivery teams.  

Gloria Mikefreeman,  Greater St. John AME Church. I received and delivered 33 meals and 6 bags.  You would be surprised how much a simple meal means to those less fortunate than we.  Please THANK those who purchase the food, those who prepare the meals and those who so kindly brought the food and packages to our cars. (It was a joy to see so many young people).   Everyone had a spirit of Thanksgiving.  I always think that we should have a Heart of Gratitude and let others know that we appreciate their Kindnesses.

Claudia Boyce St. John's Parish Church. My thanks for the constant prayers and to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, who made. this day, but our ultimate praise and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who sent his Spirit to dwell with us.  The Holy Spirit was present every step of the way, and we give glory to our Triune, Almighty God for another blessed Feeding of the Multitude.

Nov 2 Update - Bag drop off
Please take your bags to either Live Oak Church on Thursday, November 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Or to Haut Gap Middle School on Friday, November 18, 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Oct 30 Update
If anyone wants to make a financial contribution to Feeding of the Multitude, please make a check payable to 'Live Oak Church' and write on the memo-line “Feeding of the Multitude.”  You can mail your check to Live Oak Church, PO Box 122, John’s Island, SC 29457 (843-974-4271).
Or you can give to the Feeding of the Multitude Restricted fund through the Live Oak Church website https://www.liveoakji.org/partner.

This year's Feeding of the Multitude will be a Drive-through Food Pick-up at Haut Gap Middle School Saturday, Nov. 19 from 12-3 pm.  Already 23 churches have signed up to participate through opportunities to pray, package groceries, and deliver cooked meals to home-bound Island residents.

Our goal is to give out 1500 bags of groceries (enough for a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 4) and 1100 $20 Food Lion Gift Cards (that exclude alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets) instead of turkeys.  Last year, we fed 5600 people!  This year, our goal is to feed 6300 people, including the home-bound meals. Contact our Church Coordinator Meemee Williams to sign up and participate.

We prayerfully request that our able neighbors donate a bag of the following groceries:

• 2 lb. bag of rice 
• 1 x 14-18 oz. can/jar or 2 packets of turkey gravy 
• 2 x 14-16 oz. cans of green beans
• 2 x 14-16 oz. can of yams or sweet potatoes 
• 1 box of stove top stuffing 
• 1 x 14-16 oz. can of cranberry sauce or dressing 
• 1 box of (just-add-water or milk) biscuit mix. (Not buttermilk). Check in the pancake/syrup aisle. If you can’t find, just omit this item or include rolls with expiration date after 11/24/22. 
• 1 bag/box of pre-packaged, store-bought cookies (not bakery, which have short dating)

When you purchase your groceries, please ask the cashier to double bag them in sturdy paper bags (with handles if possible). It’s a good idea to shop early, but please ensure expiration dates are after 11/24/22. The approximate cost of these ingredients is $25-30. Please let me know if you can donate a bag, of groceries, so that we can plan properly. Then, leave your grocery donation on your front porch by 9 AM Sat., November 12 th , for pick-up by your Neighborhood Captain.

If you prefer to make a $ contribution to help pay for the food, please write a check payable to Live Oak Church. On the Memo line, write “Feeding of the Multitude.” Mail to PO Box 122, John’s Island, SC 29457. Or you can give to the Feeding of the Multitude Restricted fund through the Live Oak Church website https://www.liveoakji.org/partner