Contributed by Julia Chai, A YSP-SFP Leader (Youth and Students for Peace - Service for Peace)
Hosted by Pastor Mustafa from B.A.S.I.C Ministry, volunteers from B.A.S.I.C Ministry, Ground Game Ministry, Elevate Gospel Outreach, B.H. Brilliant Minds Project Inc, Euniece Law Foundation, Bridge Association, CARP, BAFC YAM and YSP-SFP (Youth and Students for Peace - Service for Peace) gathered on the evening of November 22, 2021 to prepare boxes of fresh produce, canned goods, turkeys, chickens, and Thanksgiving ingredients to distribute to families from the Oakland Community.
The event began with volunteers gathering at Elmhurst park to set up tables and equipment for the Thanksgiving grocery giveaway. There was excitement in the air as young volunteers from various ministries worked together to move equipment to prepare for the event. Working together as a unit, boxes were unloaded quickly and organized to be well prepared for the evening.
As the volunteers waited for the event to begin, energetic music was playing, volunteers got the chance to get to know each other as well as discussed roles of food distribution. There was anticipation in wanting to know who will come and how the event will turn out.
When the evening turned 6pm, Oakland community and resident members began to slowly trickle in. You can hear the chatter gradually increase, see the lights of cars driving up to the side of the park. There was excitement in the air. Volunteers warmly welcomed families, guiding them to the registration table to sign in and grab a tote bag to receive their Thanksgiving groceries.
“When I saw the first family walk up, I was excited. I was waiting for an hour for this moment to meet these people and finally they were here. I didn’t know who they would be, what they would look like, but it didn’t matter. I just wanted to connect and give to them through what I can by offering food.” shared Julia Chai.
As people began walking down alongside the table, the offering of food opened up an opportunity to exchange a conversation of love and care for one another. Wishing each other to send love to each other’s families, hoping for a safe and full Thanksgiving and holiday season. Yes, we may have been strangers, but inside we all knew we were much more than that. It was fulfilling and joyful to see people go down the line and have their tote bags be filled to the top with food to the point it was impossible to carry their bags anymore.
As the night went along, Treva Reid, District 7 Councilmember, joined us with gratitude to help support the event and be able to personally connect with members of the community. She was happy to see us again and inspired how we as young people have been going out to serve and support different projects in the Oakland community. Group photos were taken at the end to commemorate the event and claim our victories.
It was a great evening filled with love, care, and connection to remind us to count our blessings, have an attitude of gratitude and live for the sake of others.
Share your story to jennifer@carplife.org.