Gateway Uniting Presbyterian Church donated 67 food parcels to underprivileged residents between July 15 to 18 in honour of 67 minutes for Mandela Day.
A call was made to the community and residents donated money and food towards the initiative.
The church welcomed volunteers to help with sorting and making up of parcels in the church hall as well as the distribution of parcels.
Covid-19 regulations were adhered to with records kept.
The underprivileged received packs containing rice, milk powder, bread, noodles, sanitary packs, tinned foods, vegetables and soup.
The church has played a major role in the feeding scheme, even before Mandela Day.
The church has a small grocery cupboard where people who are in need of food come and can receive a small grocery parcel to help feed a family.
First Lady, Pastor Carina Wells, the event organiser, said the church has donated food, clothing and items that have been donated have been given out with cups of warm soup and bread to the needy.
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“From the start of lockdown, our church has had food donated by the congregation and people from the community. The parcels have been delivered to the needy in various ways especially by security companies, which two of our community leaders organised.
“Gateway has been a church that has gone out of its way to help those in need. So many people have given up time and money to make this a successful project, so a big thank you to all involved. Many people have been blessed because of it.
“Due to the vision from one of our leaders, to reach out and feed those in desperate need, and her obedience to this call, the church was made available as a collection point and distribution point. The church should always be aware and mindful of those people desperately in need and to assist in practical ways. Part of Gateway’s mission statement reads “to reach out into our community with help, hope and love”.
“Jesus said “love thy neighbour as thy self” and “do unto others as you would have done unto yourself?”. The bible further states “faith without action is dead”. Be a vital source of help, a light to those struggling and ever-present in the time of need. Always reaching out to those around us.
“We have been blessed by many people and some companies donating fresh produce and non-perishable items, but we desperately need more donations as the pandemic is still short of its peak and many people have lost their income and desperately need food on the table.
“Donations are an absolute blessing as without help we cannot do what we have been called to do.
“We want to encourage those going through trying times that you are not alone,” said Wells.
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