Hundreds Brave Cold for Turkey, Trimmings in North Wheeling
More than 100 people wait in line to receive free food Saturday during the 32nd annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway in North Wheeling. Some reportedly lined up as early as 4:30 a.m.
Shelley Hanson
More than 100 people wait in line to receive free food Saturday during the 32nd annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway in North Wheeling. Some reportedly lined up as early as 4:30 a.m.
Shelley Hanson
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WHEELING - Hundreds of people will have a nice turkey dinner this week thanks to the 32nd annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway held on Saturday in North Wheeling.
At the start of the giveaway more than 100 people were already in line to receive a free turkey and the fixings needed to make a complete meal on Thursday, which is Thanksgiving Day. By the end of the giveaway, 395 people showed up to receive help, said Suff. Bishop Darrell Cummings, pastor of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple in North Wheeling.
Cummings said he wanted to thank all the volunteers who came out to help with the distribution, including members of the Wheeling Fire Department, Wheeling Police Department and Ohio County Sheriff's Department.
"There were people out here since 4:30 in the morning," Cummings said. "I'm not happy about it, but I guess it speaks to those who feel they are in need."
The giveaway line was not as long as some of the past giveaways, but Cummings said this could be a sign that some people's finances are improving. He noted there are several other groups and agencies that help people with food as well.
"When we started 32 years ago, we were the only ones doing it. Now there are a number of great agencies that do it," he said. "But a lot of them, God bless each and every one, have you sign up in advance. We're the last ones where you don't have to sign up. If you missed all the other things and you need some help, we're here to help you.
"We pray that the other agencies will continue to do what they're doing because we can't handle it all. We're that last straw, the catch-all, for those who couldn't get in the others."
Cummings said any food left over would be taken to Weirton, where he was scheduled to lead another food giveaway in that city on Sunday.
Those who were in line for the giveaway in Wheeling braved some frigid temperatures, plus wind, while waiting for it to begin.
Crystal Rosa of Wheeling was among those who waited in line for the goods. She noted she was grateful for the food.
"I'm so happy they do this for people. It's a blessing for the community," she said.
In addition to food, there was also donated clothing people could take during the event held at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.