Local church gives back on Christmas Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today is the day of giving, and that’s exactly what members of El Beth-El did today. It was their annual Christmas giveaway for the community, and the church and its congregation showed up in a big way.

“We want everybody to be jolly and to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” says Bishop Lorenzo Hall Sr.

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“Just come on out, get yourself something to eat, if you have children, just want to gather or whatever you know just come and enjoy yourself,” says Jessica Thomas.

“We got macaroni and cheese, we got turkey, chicken, ham, yams, greens, cabbages, all of that stuff,” says Beatrice Kelly-Darden.

“We’re just trying to help the less fortunate and we thank the Lord for having Christmas land on today, on Sunday,” says Joseph Brown.

El Beth-El’s annual Christmas give-away featured a church service and hot meals to go for anyone in the community that needed something warm to eat on this cold Christmas day. Hall says enough food was prepared to feed 250 people.

Today’s Christmas giveaway doesn’t just include food, there were also toys for little boys and girls. Action News Jax spotted a baby doll for a little girl and a race car for a little boy.

“The teenagers will get gift cards, the adults will get gifts bags,” says Hall.

There was also an opportunity to sing Christmas carols.

“Silver Bells,” says Joseph Brown.

“We’re giving, we’re sharing at Christmas time, helping one another all the time, that’s what we do. We’re thanking God for giving his son and at Christmas time salvation has come,” ,” sang Beatrice Kelly-Darden.

Bishop, Dr. Lorenzo Hall Sr. says his church does not just give during the holidays. He tells Action News Jax if you or anyone you know needs any sort of help to please reach out. His email is gospell75@aol.com

Merry Christmas Jacksonville.

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