Local church once again helping those who need food

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A small metro church is once again fulfilling an overwhelming demand for groceries.

Cars were lined up for blocks, all for a drive-thru grocery giveaway at Thrive Community Church.

Last week, they weren't quite prepared to see an influx of 200 families seeking food, but this week, they made sure to have enough for everyone.

"This week we feel a little bit more prepared," Pastor Tyler Barnes with Thrive Community Church said. "We brought in 10,000lbs of food."

Church members boxed all of that food up to have it ready to hand out to families in need on Thursday evening.

"It's just really awesome to see with everything going on in the world right now, people coming together and loving on each other," Jordan Pyle, a member of the church, said.

There was an extremely long line of cars expanding blocks around the church waiting for their box of food.

"I am so grateful, so thankful that these people are doing what they are doing for the people because of the snap benefits," Denetta Nero, who was in line getting food, said. "Thank God that we got some help in Oklahoma City. We love you, Oklahoma. Keep up the good work."

"For a community, giving back is good because, like when people give, it makes other people feel nice and then they'll pass it on," Jace Ringold, who was in line to get food, said.

"It means a lot to us because we are on a very low income," Brittany Godwin, who was in line to get food, said.

Pastor Barnes said they usually feed around 25 families, so when nearly 200 showed up last week, they weren't quite prepared, but they were this time.

"People are crying like it just warms our heart, and it breaks our heart at the same time," Pastor Barnes said. "So, we're excited to be a part of the solution."

He is thankful for everyone who helped them collect 10,000lbs of food.

"Financially, like we can't sustain this forever," Pastor Barnes said. "So, for people to come along and do it with us honestly just means the world."

Thrive Community Church does this every Thursday.