World Mission Society Church of God hosts food drive to help military families
The World Mission Society Church of God is dedicated to helping their local community. On Sunday, January 15, 2017, with support from the U.S. military, the church hosted a fun and successful food drive. It was held at Mariners Park, located across from the 32nd St. Naval Station San Diego.
Most food drives are held at the end of the year, during the holiday season. However, a representative from the Church of God stated, “We know that people need help all year long, not just at certain times of the year.” This food drive is part of a much larger worldwide movement called the “Good Samaritan Movement.” As good Samaritans, many of the Church of God members participate in events like this regularly. The reason for their continued efforts? To show Heavenly Mother’s love to the whole world. This particular event was in commemoration of the Church of God receiving the UK Queen’s Award. The Queen’s Award is the most prestigious award given in the United Kingdom, of which the Church of God is the only religious organization to have ever been able to receive this honor.
The World Mission Society Church of God collects almost 3,000 pounds of food in only five hours
Typically food drives are held by placing barrels at designated locations over a period of a month or longer. Instead, the Church of God collected 2,840 pounds of food in less than one day. The food collected was donated to the San Diego Food Bank and distributed back to the community. Among the many that are helped monthly by these donations are more than 18,000 low income military families.
The Church of God was highly praised by the food bank’s Vice President of Operations, Vanessa Moore. In her interview she boasted about the church’s organization and friendliness. She was overwhelmed that the volunteers from the Church of God took the initiative to go the extra mile, thoughtfully separating the donations, which consisted of 80 boxes of canned and non perishable foods. The San Diego Food Bank was then able to have less work so they could quickly give to those in need. Vanessa thanked the members from the Church of God saying “Anytime you want a partner, I would be happy to come out to your events. This is huge, it is the biggest food drive I have ever seen.” That was definitely a compliment since she had been with the San Diego Food Bank for more than 14 years.
The members of the Church of God were enthusiastically involved and not just by donating food
Many members of the church came out to volunteer in many different ways. In addition to bringing food donations, the church prepared lunch for those who came to donate and support the cause. There were choir and orchestra performances that touched the hearts of all the guests. Also the church prepared fun and lively dances that honored a variety of cultures. The children were even able to get their faces painted while they enjoyed all of the activities.
The Church of God received their fourth City Proclamation for their passionate work to help their community
Due to this event Kevin Faulconer, the Mayor of San Diego, presented the Church of God with a city proclamation. The proclamation was in recognition for the great efforts the church members made through this food drive. This is the second proclamation the Church of God has received from the Mayor of San Diego. These are in addition to two other proclamations the Church of God received recently. The Mayor of the City of Santee also honored the church for large community services events they conducted. The Church of God hopes that through their efforts, people around them can also be inspired by Mother’s love and work together to make our world a better place for everyone.
