Every year for the past 11 years, Feed the Sheep Ministries has pooled their resources, gathered volunteers and spread a table for hundreds of local residents so they can share a day of thanks together. And this year, they’ll do it once again at the Bremen Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Last year, more than 50 volunteers turned out to fill hundreds of plates with turkey, corn, green beans, potatoes, bread and a dessert. This year, Bernice Glass and her daughter, Tamra, are asking everyone who is able to come out and help once again.
“Every year, we have more and more people get involved,” said Bernice Glass, “and we need as many as possible.”
The Ministry needs as many volunteers as possible because the need to help those in the community is growing, says Bernice Glass’ husband, Melford Glass.
“In this economy, people are really hurting,” he says. “This part of the ministry is two-fold: During the holidays, some people are depressed and need company, and there is also poverty and people who are unemployed or underemployed. So we felt a need to address both in this community.”
Feed the Sheep Ministries began in 2000 by serving a Christmas meal to the community. During their first event, they gave away 300 plates. The meal was clearly a success. However, it was decided that perhaps a Thanksgiving meal would be a bit easier on volunteers.
So, the group began organizing a Thanksgiving meal each year, and in 2003 they became a certified 501(c)3 organization made up entirely of volunteers.
“We have people from all walks of life,” Melford Glass said. “This isn’t something regulated by religion; It’s regulated by love.”
Bernice Glass says she has been overwhelmed by the community’s love and support for one another, as the annual meal Feed the Sheep puts together is paid for entirely by local donations.
“Our community comes together unlike any other community,” Mrs. Glass said. “Our community has a giving heart. We ask, and they give. Because our community cares so much, we are able to give.”
The annual Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the only way Feed the Sheep is able to give back to the community. Each year, the group hosts an Easter Egg hunt and a free Chicken Q on July 4th. In January, the group will go to Atlanta to take personal care bags to the homeless. Continuing for the seventh year was the Hallelujah Festival during Halloween. The group also helps local elderly by supplying them with home-improvement items, such as a new faucet or window and helping them find someone to install it.
Also, with the help of a Community Foundation Impact grant, the group participates in the School Food Box program for Haralson County Schools, which sends boxes of food home with local parents to help feed their children over the weekend.
“Of course, our main goal is our Boys and Girls Club here,” said Mrs. Glass. “We have a good vision; it’s just all in God’s time. We are his tools.”
No pre-orders are required to take part in the Thanksgiving Day dinner. However, if you wish to pre-order, please call 770-537-2705. Deliveries will also be made to the elderly, the sick and the shut-in within Haralson County. Those wishing to donate or volunteer can call the same number.
Those wishing to mail in a donation can do so at P.O. Box 1281, Bremen GA 30110. All donations are tax deductible.
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