Lion President Hardee introduced guest speaker, Camille Hamilton, a Committee Member with Families Feeding Families. Lion & guests pictured from left to right are, Lion Jerome Teichmiller, Speaker Camille Hamilton and President Bubba Hardee. Photo provided by Lion Al Gerhardt.
In 2011 a local businessman, Rick Gatewood, was inspired to help those in our area during Thanksgiving. Rick contacted several other people in the area about assisting with this worthy project. Local individuals, businesses, churches and schools quickly got involved and realized there was a need right here in our community.
On November 23, 2011, the first Families Feeding Families event took place at Christ Bridge Fellowship. Over 500 meals were served to those that attended. Meals were taken to local nursing homes and volunteers ate with the attendees. Free haircuts, face painting, and children’s activities combined with goodie bags were then and continue to be a big hit along with outside entertainment as guests are arriving and a prayer wall. Since Families Feeding Families’ Inaugural event, each year has set a new record for attendance and people served. Outreach has been extended to the homeless and elderly shut-ins. Participants are now able to receive a flu shot and obtain information on how to get help from local resource groups such as T.E.A.M., SOS in Magnolia, TOMAGWA and the Tomball Pregnancy Center. Canned goods and toys are available for guests along with tax help and Medicare/Medicaid assistance.
Families Feeding Families has become a holiday tradition for many families in our community, and continues to grow year after year. It is anticipated that 1,800 will be served this year plus about 500 outbound meals for shut-ins and the homeless. Budget for this year’s event is $32,000. Around 400 volunteers help make this a successful event. The Families Feeding Families event will take place on November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 PM at Christ Bridge Fellowship, 29510 Texas 249, Tomball, TX. Volunteers can apply at: www.familiesfeedingfamilies.com