CHRISTUS Health partners with local church to feed 9,000 people in community

A partnership between CHRISTUS Health and Oak Grove Church of God in Christ resulted in a donation of 900 fully cooked turkeys to the local community as part of their Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.

This is the 5th consecutive year that CHRISTUS Health has partnered with a local church for the event. More than 75 CHRISTUS Health volunteers were on hand at the distribution.

“This outreach is such a privilege to be a part of, as it brings the community together and ties into our mission, to improve food access in our community and surrounding areas,” said Liz Shelton, administrator, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. “We look forward to continuing this tradition year after year.”

Hundreds of cars lined up, some as early as 4:00 a.m., as hospital staff and church volunteers worked together to provide a smooth and welcoming experience. The drive-through distribution system allowed families to receive their holiday meal efficiently, with volunteers greeting participants, loading vehicles, and offering warm holiday wishes.

It is estimated that one turkey can feed up to 10 people.

“God is multiplying our efforts, and we can feed almost 9000 people by giving out these turkeys. This is what ministry is all about,” said Cedrick Granberry, a leadership council member for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital and minister at Oak Grove Church of God in Christ.

“CHRISTUS Health is a ministry, not just a hospital. I thank God for a hospital that understands the importance of faith and have people that serve in that capacity.”