For most people, the holidays are a time filled with the giving and receiving of gifts and love. Unfortunately there are those who, while capable of freely sharing love, are not able to afford gifts during the holidays. In order to help those people in need, especially underprivileged children, have as happy a holiday season as possible, the Oakland-Elmhurst church holds a program called Feed the Children. “[Christmas] is a happy time for some, but terrible for others — kids and parents alike,” said Willie Johnson, Jr., pastor of the Elmhurst church. “We want to brighten some families’ days that would be in darkness otherwise.”

On the morning of Dec. 9, many people from the Elmhurst church congregation gathered to make final preparations for the Feed the Children program that has been an annual event for over a decade. After all of the food, clothes and gifts were organized, the church opened the doors to its gym at 1 p.m. to welcome the people from the community.

Between 60 and 70 people, the members of 25 community families, showed up to take part in the party-like atmosphere. The church members had groceries, coats, gift cards, and bicycles — the biggest draw for the families and children — ready to distribute to those who showed up.

The church family is usually prepared to meet the needs of those who come, as there is a pre-registration in November. The Feed the Children program is well known in the community, because it has been in existence for so many years. People call the church and leave their information, then Gwen Peoples, the program director, calls back to get their details. In addition to families pre-registering, two schools in east Oakland have staff members that recommend 25-30 families that are in need. Every year, there also are a few walk-ins that hear about the program through Elmhurst church’s weekly bread ministry.

In order to be fully ready for the Feed the Children program, the church family gathers on the Thursday before the program and makes a social event out of the preparation work. The members get all the food bags ready, gifts wrapped, bicycles assembled, and clothing sorted. The church family relies heavily on the help of their youth for wrapping the gifts and assembling the bikes, because they want to teach them about the spirit of giving. During the evening, hot drinks and food are served, and the workers have a good time. “I look forward to this event every year, not only to put together and give away the bikes, but to fellowship with my church family in a very positive way,” said Randi Wilson, Elmhurst church member.

While the numbers were a bit down from the usual average of 75 to 100 community people, the donations of food, clothing and bikes were enough to provide for those who came. In fact, a total of 30 bikes were donated, which was more than the total number of families that showed up, providing a nice surplus. The church normally has gift cards and a few clothing items left over, which they continue to distribute throughout the year. But, this year’s surplus came in handy immediately when one mother, who had not pre-registered, came in tears, because she did not know where she would get coats for her children. Since there were extras on hand, the church was able to give her coats, groceries, gift cards and more.

Not only does the Elmhurst church family try to meet the physical needs of their community during the holidays by distributing material goods, they also hand out Steps to Christ to help meet their spiritual needs as well. They want the downtrodden in their community to know that they are loved by the church family and by God.

“I’m grateful that we were able to do this for the least of these God’s people — to make a difference, to continue to put a face on Adventists in the community, and to let the people know that we care,” said Johnson.