Greater St. Stephen teams up with grocery store chain for Thanksgiving

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

A 2011 AFBF (American Farm Bureau Federation) report stated that the cost of a 16-pound turkey and all the trimmings was about $49.20, a 13 percent jump from the previous year. These increasing costs, along with the ongoing recession can make the approaching holidays seem anything but joyous. The issue has not gone unnoticed by Greater St. Stephen Ministries; who has partnered with Winn Dixie to help needy families in New Orleans have a greater Thanksgiving, in spite of tough financial times.

The Greater Community Turkey & Trimmings Give-a-Way takes place Tuesday, November 20, at the Joy Theater; 1200 Canal Street, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents will receive a turkey, non-perishable trimmings and a gift card. The event is open to the community and the goal is to distribute 500 individuals in need with a Thanksgiving dinner.

“I am so excited about this year’s ‘Greater Community Turkey & Trimmings Give-a-Way; not only are we thrilled to be at the renowned Joy Theater every Sunday for Worship, but are truly grateful to have Winn Dixie partner with our wonderful congregation to serve the needy in that area,” Pastor Debra B. Morton told The Louisiana Weekly. “This is such a positive example of God’s love extending beyond church walls to connect with others in the community who care! In this season, it is a warm feeling to know that we are rebuilding more than physical buildings, but people’s lives.”

“Winn-Dixie has been supporting the civic and charitable efforts of our team members and store guest since 1925. Being a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor in the communities we serve has been a part of the Winn-Dixie philosophy and remains a fundamental part of the way we do business. We are proud to support this event hosted by Greater St. Stephen, because it truly makes a positive impact in our community,” said Beth Goldenberg, Winn Dixie’s Manager of Neighborhood Involvement.

Helping the needy in the community during the holidays is somewhat of a tradition for Greater St. Stephen; for over 30 years, the church distributed Thanksgiving turkeys at its now defunct uptown location.

“Those who are disciples of Jesus Christ have been instructed to care for and help those who are in need. Good News is, many times when we give to those in need, it is not just a handout but a helping hand that helps them to get back up again and live a productive life.” Pastor Debra B. Morton added.

Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. Co-Pastor of Greater St. Stephen states the best way to show gratitude is to simply give back.

“Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect on how good God has been to us and it is our reasonable service to bless God by blessings others who are in need,” he says. “We can’t celebrate or enjoy the Holiday Season without exemplifying God’s love and thanking Him for the greatest gift, his son, Jesus Christ.”

For information, visit www.gssmin.org.

This article originally published in the November 19, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.