Five pastors participated in the interfaith GERS Christmas basket food giveaway. Left to right: Ed Lucas–Gridley Christian Church, Mike Davis–Lighthouse Tabernacle, Ed Melton–Christian Life Assembly, Rick Scribner and Caleb Scribner–Abundant Life. Photo by Cindy Scott

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Pastor Ed Lucas, Gridley Christian Church, was happy to bring back the Gridley Emergency Relief Services (GERS) Christmas Food Basket giveaway after a one-year hiatus. Gridley Emergency Relief Services serves community members throughout the year, and their Christmas basket giveaway is the annual culminating effort. 

Members of area churches donate funds to Gridley Emergency Relief Services, with relief efforts led by Lucas. Because Lucas plans to retire this summer, local faith leaders met to delegate his relief-related activities.

Pastor Mike Davis, Lighthouse Tabernacle, has assumed the responsibility of contacting local businesses for coupons to distribute at the giveaway. This year, for example, donated coupons included Casa Lupe, Grocery Outlet, Les Schwab, Huckleberries and Janitzio Western Wear. Davis intends that the coupons benefit the recipients but also help the businesses build their customer base.

Debbie Melton, Associate Pastor at Christian Life Assembly, was on hand at the giveaway learning the organization of the event and preparing to lead it next year.

Volunteers gathered at the First Baptist Church on Dec. 13 to set up tables, organize food items, and guide recipients through the tables, filling their bags with food. Volunteers represented several churches: Abundant Life, Calvary Chapel, First Baptist Church, Gridley Christian Church, Hope Point Live Oak, Lighthouse Tabernacle, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thermolito Baptist, and others. 

It is possible that more faiths are represented at this event than any other local event. Gridley Emergency Relief Services Christmas food baskets benefit families and volunteers, strengthening community relationships and interfaith relief efforts.