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North Wheeling Food Giveaway Provides Easter Blessings for Nearly 500 in Wheeling

WHEELING - Nearly 500 people showed up in North Wheeling to receive free food to make their Easter dinner a filling and tasty one on Sunday.

Suff. Bishop Darrell Cummings, pastor of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, said about 480 people and 135 families stood in line to receive the food on Saturday, along with other items such as clothing and school supplies, during the church's annual Easter Food Basket Giveaway.

Numerous volunteers from the church and community also showed up to help distribute the items, including a ham or other meat, and carry the heavy boxes of food for people.

Members of the Ohio County Sheriff's Department, Wheeling Fire Department and Wheeling Police Department also were on hand to help.

"We have a lot of people in line. ... Some of them I've been told have been in line since 6 a.m.," Cummings said. "I think it speaks to the unspoken need that there are some people who can be asset rich and cash poor. One lady told us that they weren't going to starve if they didn't do this, but it wouldn't be a special day if they didn't do it."

Cummings said he hoped people experienced the love of God and love from their community during the event.

He pointed out how the many volunteers included dignitaries such as politicians, along with law enforcement, first responders and local celebrities. West Liberty’s women’s soccer team also had a number of volunteers on hand to assist.

"I don't think that happens in other communities," he said.

This is the church's first giveaway for 2024. It also does giveaways for back to school, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The events are held in the basement of the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.