CityTeam Ministries Busy Giving During Christmas Season

By Katherine T. Phan, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, December 22, 2004

If anyone were to ask volunteers at City Team Ministries whether Christmas is more about giving or receiving, they would answer giving.

The ministry helps the homeless and low-income families in urban communities by providing them with anything from hot meals to a foot wash. In addition to serving the needy on a daily basis its seven urban locations in the U.S., the organization also holds giveaways to families and the homeless on holidays such as Easter and Thanksgiving.

Their giving philosophy is especially applied during Christmas time.

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For CityTeam Ministries in Oakland, six big outreach events are planned between Dec. 11 and Jan. 1 alone.

About two weeks ago, volunteers at the ministry in Oakland hosted a Christmas Toy Giveaway where they took boxes of toys to families who have signed up on a list and reserved specific gifts for their children.

Mike Pounds, the leader of one delivery group, reflected, "Jesus said, 'What father among you would give his child a stone when he asked for bread...' The heavenly Father has allowed us to help these families who want to give their children good gifts, reflecting the good gifts He has given us."

On Dec. 18, City Team Ministries of Oakland served a Christmas dinner to around 300 people. Just two days later, the group was out handing out bags filled with a turkey or ham and a bag with stuffing, cranberry sauce for families to enjoy their own Christmas dinners at their homes. Similar events and giveaways will continue throughout Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

More than 250 volunteers have worked throughout the holiday season to prepare for the events, reported Rescue Mission Manager Alyssa Penman of Oakland.

The cooperation of volunteers also helped the Oakland ministry put together the biggest Thanksgiving feast it every hosted. Around 400 guests showed up for the dinner.

"This year was bigger and better than any previous year!” Penman told the Christian Post. “We've had a wonderful combination of homeless guests, seniors with no nearby family, and others from the community who would have no Thanksgiving dinner without this celebration. What a blessing!"

However, the ministry appreciates any help it can receive to continue making its offerings possible. People can donate financially or help buy nonperishable foods to fill any one of the City Team Ministries’ cabinets. To learn more, visit the ministry’s Homepage, www.cityteam.org.