Easter Outreach Unites 40+ Churches to Feed Philly Neighbors
The good feelings generated by the 15th Annual Easter Outreach continue to wash over the Philadelphia region. Over Holy Week, some 40+ churches or faith-based organizations were able to distribute thousands of pounds of food to their neighbors in celebration of the Resurrection.
“You have no idea how much this means to me and my family. Thank you and may God bless you!” said Amy G. when she picked up food from Living Word Ministries
Throughout Philadelphia, between Palm Sunday and Easter, faith-based groups reached out to their neighbors in need with food, faith, and fun as a way to mark the holiday.
Working with Convoy of Hope, Small Things gave each church partner 140 pre-packed bags of dry food that provided a family of four with breakfast, dinner, and a snack. On top of that, Small Things gave each partner fresh produce, meat, snacks, and beverages.
Participating churches held a neighborhood celebration where they distributed the food. They served food to their guests, hosted activities for children, and staffed a prayer table so neighbors could seek comfort and answers to their problems.
“We love what your church is doing in our neighborhood. You are a true example of love,”
said Mary O.
The goal of Easter Outreach is to connect churches with their neighbors. Nothing brings people together in quite the way food does. For Convoy of Hope, an international relief organization headquartered in Missouri, leaders wanted to distribute food to those in need and encourage churches’ outreach ministries. In its second year of participating in Easter Outreach, Convoy of Hope sponsored seven outreach training sessions for participating churches. They first gathered church leaders together in person and later continued the training over Zoom.
Small Things Executive Director Vito Baldini has organized Easter Outreach for most of its history. In its early days, the program brought scores of churches together to offer a meal only at Easter. Today, Small Things works with churches and community pantries to provide food 365 days a year. In its five-year history, it has given away more than 23 million pounds of food. But at Easter, Small Things returns to its roots and works with churches.
“It is so important for the church to work together for the greater good, even in light of our differences,” said Vito. “This is why Easter Outreach and our 40+ church partners come together in a unifying effort to serve our neighbors. Working together in the Lord’s name brings glory to the one we serve, Jesus Christ!”
This practical display of love did not go unnoticed.
“Your church has assisted us so much since we moved into this neighborhood. We appreciate you guys a lot. Thanks,” said Malik A.
Churches and faith-based organizations that distributed food include:
8th Street Community Church
Atonement Church
By Grace Alone Church
Delco Food Project
CDA Ministry
Epiphany Church of Gloucester City
Firm Hope Baptist Church
Good Samaritan Pantry
Great Commission Church
Gospel Light Tabernacle
Greenhouse Project
Heart of Worship Restoration Center
House of Prayer for All Nations
Iglesia Pentecostal
Lighthouse Church
Living Word Ministries
Metro Church
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
New Covenant Cheltenham
New Covenant Church
Oxford Circle Community Christian Development Association
One Hope Church
Our Mother of Mercy House
Roxborough Presbyterian Church
The Salvation Army – Central
Small Things Market Fairhill
Small Things Market at House of Hope
Snyder Avenue Congregational Church
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church
St Paul Metropolitan AME Church
Tabernacle Harvest Church
True Vine Worship Center
Victory Church Audubon
Victory Outreach Philadelphia
West Kensington Ministry
Zion Lutheran Church Olney
