Six area pastors joined the GERS Christmas Basket effort. Left to right: Alfredo Medina, Victory Chapel Live Oak; Ed Lucas, Gridley Christian Church; Bob Culverson, Biggs Community Assembly of God; David Henry, First Baptist Church of Gridley; Rick Scribner, Abundant Life - Biggs; and Mike Davis, Lighthouse Tabernacle Gridley. Photo by Cindy Scott

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Emergency Relief Services (GERS) Christmas Basket event is amazing in several ways. First, there’s the fact that the annual project has blessed area families for over 30 years. Second, with cash donations from several area churches, almost 500 individuals were assisted this year. And then there are the number of area churches represented by the dedicated volunteers. 

Pastor Ed Lucas, Gridley Christian Church, contacts local grocery vendors and purchases the food items. Pastor David Henry at First Baptist Church in Gridley hosts the event, with Lois Macfarlane organizing the setup and giveaway. Pastor Mike Davis, Lighthouse Tabernacle Gridley, Pastor Rick Schribner, and Pastor “Fred” Medina of Victory Chapel Live Oak assisted in the prayer room, and Pastor Bob Culverson of Biggs Community Assembly of God assisted with the fresh produce. Other volunteers represented more area faith communities, including Christian Life Assembly in Gridley, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The baskets helped 125 families, with GERS giving away 120 chickens and 70 turkeys. The baskets were distributed after only 90 minutes, with no leftover food. Sav-Mor, Grocery Outlet, Casa Lupe, and Huckleberry’s generously helped with discounts, coupons, and purchasing.

Food closets in the area are seeing increased need. Cash and commodity donations can be made at several local food closets, including St. Vincent de Paul, across from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gridley, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.