WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Groups across Central Georgia are working to make sure families stay fed this holiday season. For 13WMAZ's annual community "Stuff the Truck" event, we are showing you how these groups feed families.
The Rehoboth Baptist Association's Christian Social Ministries Food Bank works to put food on the table for folks in Warner Robins.
Director Ed Gonzales has been volunteering with the group since 1999. He took over as director two years ago. He says in its 26 years of existence, they've given away more than 5.25 million pounds of food.
They add to that number every Tuesday and Thursday, packing up bags of canned goods, snacks, and toiletries.
Gonzalez says as it gets closer to the holiday, they even have meats like turkey and deer meat.
Each day, they help about 40+ families, which is an increase since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There's a lot of people that need extra food. They're food deprived," says Gonzalez.
He says he and his volunteers are happy to lend a hand.
"If you can't help people, then what's the point of having a community? We're here to do God's work, and that means helping people when they need help. That's why we do this," he adds.
Monique Rodriguez has been coming to the pantry for years. She says for her family of six, the pantry provides great holiday help.
"They done gave me a turkey, so I definitely will have turkey this year. Thank you, Jesus," she says.
She says she is grateful for the support of the food bank, and says there's no shame in getting a little assistance.
"They're giving it away. Please don't be out there hungry when someone is giving you something," she adds.
Sammie Dinkins also visits the pantry.
He says, "It's a great thing they're doing for people that are less fortunate than others, and trust me, if you're low in food, they'll be very happy to help you."
Dinkins says they do more than just hand you a bag of food.
"I'm grateful for the hospitality, what they give to you, the way they talk to you. You come in and you go and sit inside and they talk about God for a second and they give you food," he says.
He says it makes everyone feel more relaxed and comfortable.
If you're in the Warner Robins area and are in need of a helping hand, you can visit the food pantry at 101 S Second Street. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The ministry also helps people struggling to pay utility bills. They meet with those people on Monday and Wednesday by appointment only.
You can set up an appointment or find out more information by calling (478)-258-7140 or visiting their website.