photo by: Shelley Hanson (file)

Volunteers help a man pick out canned goods during a past Christmas food basket giveaway in Wheeling. This year’s event is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday at North Wheeling Dream Center.

WHEELING — The 35th annual Christmas Food Basket Giveaway is slated to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the North Wheeling Dream Center.

Bishop Darrell Cummings, pastor of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, said the food, clothing and toys are given away on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no residency or income requirements.

“We’re planning to give away some hams, turkeys, chickens and other assorted meats, along with canned green beans, corn, stuffing and some other sides to go with that Christmas meal,” he said. “We are also planning to give away fresh fruits and vegetables.”

The giveaway takes place in the basement of the building. That door is accessed via the alley behind it.

“The main event for this one is the toys. We’ll be giving away new and used bikes and toys and assorted items, separated by age. The children have to be present for the toys and the clothes. We want them to try on … the coats.”

The event is an important one not just to help people in need, but to show God’s love.

“It shows the love of God and love of community and helps make sure everybody has a good Christmas,” he said. “With God’s help, all things are possible.”

Cummings said the event always welcomes more volunteers and donations.

“I want to emphasize that those who weren’t able to get help anywhere else or they didn’t sign up in time, that this is a catch-all — there are no residency or income requirements,” he added.