Photo by Eric Ayres Scores of volunteers helped with this weekend's distribution of food, warm clothes and other items to those in the community in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The annual distribution, organized by the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, took place Saturday morning at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.

WHEELING – People from all walks of life came together this weekend in a spirit of giving as the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple held its annual Thanksgiving giveaway at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.

The event has been taking place for decades with the intention of bringing a little brighter holiday to those who could use a helping hand. An array of food items along with warm clothes like coats and scarves, shoes, household cleaning items, books and more was available during the pre-Thanksgiving giveaway.

In the wake of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, concerns have remained high about potential food insecurities this holiday season for those in need as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were put on hold for weeks. With that in mind, this year’s distribution took on even more of a sense of urgency to fulfill a potentially greater need.

A line of what appeared to be hundreds of participants lined up outside of the North Wheeling Community Dream Center on Saturday morning. Bishop Darrell Cummings of the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple led a large group of volunteers inside the center in prayer before the doors opened to the crowd. Cummings also offered a prayer to the group that patiently waited outside in the unseasonably warm and sunny weather.

The fact that there were hundreds of people lined up and three parking lots full of vehicles Saturday morning could be interpreted from many perspectives, Cummings noted.

“I think it’s a double-edged sword,” he said. “It means that that many people are in need, but then also that that many people are willing to let us help them. Because I think that’s what community is all about – helping each other. No man is an island. No man stands alone.”

The annual Thanksgiving giveaway has been taking place for more than three decades now, Cummings reflected.

“I can’t believe I’ve been doing it for 35 years – I didn’t think I was that old, but I guess I am,” he said. “I think it’s important because it gives hope. They say that a family that eats together stays together, a family that prays together stays together.”

Cummings said families are breaking up at higher rates nowadays, faced with economic and cultural challenges. Hopefully a nice Thanksgiving meal will help local families break bread together again and mend some fences, he said.

“We’re all in it together,” said Cummings. “When the tide goes up, it raises all the boats. So we want to raise all the boats. We want everybody to have Thanksgiving.”

Volunteers from all walks of life assisted with the food distribution, and Cummings said the number of volunteers this weekend was likely the most he has ever seen for the event.

“There are more volunteers than I recall ever,” Cummings said. “It was the biggest circle prayer that we’ve ever had, that I know of. We were extremely blessed. I really think they are all angels.”

Members of the Wheeling Fire Department, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, local TV news personalities, state officials, representatives of other local organizations and several individuals were on hand to help distribute food and other items to those in need.

Lori Mathieu of Bethlehem, one of the many volunteers, noted that in a big way those who step forward to help also receive a warm holiday blessing by knowing they have played a part in helping their neighbors.

“I think the people are happy to have something to contribute to the community, to come out and support – do something that makes them feel like they are contributing and being part of a community,” Mathieu said. “We’re happy to be here to help. I’m sure people are in need with SNAP benefits being delayed and the holiday coming up, it’s always nice that they can come here.”

Cummings praised the team of people who help make the annual distribution happen and humbly redirected the credit to the many folks working behind the scenes, but those in the know applauded Cummings for his continued efforts in quarterbacking the cause and for working tirelessly to get it done each and every year.

“The reverend is so supportive of the community and of helping people,” Mathieu said. “It’s really, truly a blessing for our community that he’s here. He’s always stepping up, and I think everyone is here to support that.”

It takes more than a fleet of volunteers, Cummings noted. It takes time, patience, effort, compassion, donations and fundraising. There are many sponsors and donors, and an annual charity basketball game helps raise money for the giveaway.

Those who took food and other items home to their families on Saturday expressed how thankful they were for those who care enough to help out.

“It’s nice,” said local resident Tony Mendoza. “I’ve never been here. I’m glad there’s organizations like this. My wife used to work for the Soup Kitchen, so I’m used to seeing a lot of people come out. But this is different.”