St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office helps local ministry serve up warm meals on Christmas eve

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Hope & Deliverance Ministries INC. in St. Augustine is serving those in our community in need this Christmas Eve.

Everything from mashed potatoes, turkey, mac and cheese, and a little bit of fellowship.

“We’re thankful, the community is thankful,” said Garth Galloway, who has been coming to these community meals for the last 17 years.

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This year the church group is joined by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

“It means a lot, for the longest we had not had that type of connection,” Shaun Crea, the coordinator for Hope & Deliverance Ministries said.

Sheriff Rob Hardwick showed up with his family and a handful of deputies to help bridge the gap in their community and strengthen the relationship with local law enforcement.

“My wife and I are part of this community. I mean we’ve been married 30 years in this town and it’s important that they see the other side to us as well,” Sheriff Hardwick said.

“It means a lot because then they get to know us and we get to know them. It kills some of that they versus us type of mentality,” Crea said.

The Ministry told Action News Jax it’s been serving a community meal for the last 19 years and in addition to hot food, attendees can also take home clothing like a jacket for those chilly days.

“Every year it gets me through at least 6 to 8 months of clothing and of course, the food for the weekend for the holidays is a great thing. You couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Galloway.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s office is also helping serve food at the Rick’s Family and Fiend’s Annual Christmas Celebration on Christmas Day on Saturday.

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The event will provide fellowship and a hot warm meal to anyone in need.

It’s happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florida National Guard armory at 190 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine.

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