"Community Easter Food Drive"

March 24, 2008:  The Food Bank of Southwest Georgia says it has certainly seen the impact of hard economic times with a greater number of people in need of its services.  While February was one the best donation months, the Food Bank says it could always use more, especially canned goods. During this past weekend, the Food Bank sponsored an Easter Regional Food Bank Drive.  Across the area, Sam’s Club and Wal-Marts became the central point for accepting donations.  Locally in Fitzgerald, the Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church partnered with our local store, Wal-Mart Store # 686.  Bo Carroll, store manager, and his staff provided the necessary facilities and space for the food collection. 

"Twenty-one percent of our population here in Southwest Georgia is at or below the poverty level. So, we have a huge need for food assistance in our area. If nothing else, partnering with Holsey Chapel and Wal-Mart will help raise hunger awareness," said Brett Kirkland, Southwest Georgia Food Bank President and CEO.

The Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County community donated over two hundred pounds of food items.  Holsey Chapel volunteers manned the collection station and were able to share the blessings first-hand of this ministry. “We are proud to partner with this noteworthy organization,” says Pastor Leroy Dumas.   

"Holsey Chapel Recognized at "Face of Hunger" Banquet"

On August 28, 2007, the Food Bank of Southwest Georgia held its annual "Face of Hunger" Banquet.  The event provides an opportunity for the agency to recognize its partners in servicing the community needs.  The Food Bank of Southwest Georgia (FBSWGA) serves as the headquarters for HUNGER-RELIEF in Southwest Georgia. When there’s a disaster such as tornado, flood, fire and so on, our member agencies contact us to get what they need in a timely manner to serve those in need. FBSWGA provides food to our member agencies who in return serve people living at or below the poverty level and/or who are at greatest risk of hunger. These people include working poor families, low-income and abused children in special programs, senior citizens, the disabled, the homeless, and victims of domestic violence.  A year ago, Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church joined the list as a resource for Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County.  During the banquet, the church received an award for successfully distributing 3,596 pounds of food "giving hope and feeding families."  Annie Pearl and William Stepherson attended the banquet in Albany, Georgia and accepted the award on behalf of the church.

Holsey Chapel Food Drive volunteers pictured from left to right are Michelle Flagg, Mildred Taylor, Thelma Graham, Joyce Jenkins, Rev. Leroy Dumas, Jim Turner, Roosevelt Freeman, Ola Freeman, Jennifer Turner, and Annie Pearl Stepherson.  Also, participating, but not pictured were Christine Fletcher, Oletha Player, Jim Smith, and William Stepherson--March 23, 2008.

Holsey Chapel Pastor Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Dumas (center) mans the food drive collection station along with Stewards Jim Turner (left) and Roosevelt Freeman (right)--March 23, 2008.

William & Annie Pearl Stepherson (center) present Pastor Dumas (left) with the award received at the "Face of Hunger" Banquet while Steward Jim Turner (right) looks on (September 9, 2007).