Woman sits in car for 14 hours to get food during church food giveaway
By Chase Houle
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STONECREST, Georgia (WXIA) — Thousands of people lined the streets, sitting in their cars for hours in order to receive a box of food during the New Birth Baptist Church food giveaway on Sunday morning.
One woman had been in her car for 14 hours in the hopes of being one of the families to receive free groceries.
“We got here about 7:30 p.m.,” said Lasheika Carter. “With the government shutdown and hardships on a lot of families, we just have to do what we have to do to make sure we have what we need,” said Carter.
Carter was joined by more than 2,000 other families going through a similar situation, like Kerry Ruffin. Ruffin served in the military for eight years and is on a fixed income since retiring. He says he relies on SNAP to help with groceries.
“Why in the world do we have to sit here trying to get us some food for us to be able to eat,” said Ruffin. “At least some people care about other people, and the fact what these people are doing are doing a great job being able to try and help people find something to eat.”
Some of those people were the 500 volunteers who were loading the food into the back of people’s cars. Like 10-year-old Madison Morris.
“It’s important to me because people who are not in my shoes or people who have situations going on, I can help comfort them and feel more confident and not feel stuck up because of their situations,” said Morris.
And the need was so great that people had to be turned away because there was no more food left. But Carter, along with her daughter, were able to get themselves a box.
“Don’t lose your faith, keep your hope in God and keep praying, keep pushing, and He’s going to make a way because Psalm 23 said, “The Lord is my Shepard and I shall not want,” So, he will meet every need,” said Carter.
Carter says the box of groceries will help take the edge off and will put a plate on her table for her birthday.
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