Volunteers and board members of Families Feeding Families gathered Thursday at George Washington School for the organization’s 2012 “Friend Raiser.” Southeastern alumnus Rodney Bivens, founder of an Oklahoma City food bank, was special guest speaker.
Board member Jeff Woodard introduced the ministry’s volunteer drive and branding campaign, which included distribution of T-shirts, flyers, donor/volunteer cards and decals with a red cross declaring “I am a part of the family!”
“We want you to expand your sphere of influence,” Woodard said. “Bring three people in the next six months to come see how this works. We are seeking to put this ministry in the hands of everyone in this area. When we come in here, we are not rich or poor, black or white - we are taking care of each other.”
A documentary video is the works, and a 3.5 minute video featuring FFF and Hope Chest ministries can be found on YouTube. More information is available at www.familiesfeedingfamilies.org.
Bivens, who experienced hunger as a youth on his family’s farm in Chickasha, said food banks and pantries like Families are in growing demand. He is founder and executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Started in 1980, the food bank now serves around 90,000 people per week in west and central Oklahoma.
“There are thousands of hungry Oklahomans who depend on us to provide hope until they get back on their feet,” he said.
His organization distributed a record 46.2 million pounds of food in 2011, which he said means “more families, more seniors, more children are struggling with hunger.”
“We are committed to creating an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all Oklahomans who find themselves asking for help,” he said. “With your help, we’ll continue fighting hunger.”
Volunteer Tyler Shade, a Durant High School student, said seeing his neighbors at the nightly meals impacted his life. “It was a great feeling to help people,” he said. “(Families) is a great organization, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Volunteers Dr. Charla Hall, Steve Earl and Bill and Roberta White were honored for their tireless and tenured service to Families Feeding Families.
Meals are served at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Washington School cafeteria. For volunteer or donor information, call (580) 230-9142 or email info@familiesfeedingfamilies.org.
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