Thank you, thank you to all of the volunteers who gave of their time to come out to feed the homeless on Christmas! Please know how much you were appreciated by those you served, and by the volunteers of Keepin’ It Real Ministries. Pastor Oscar estimates that we fed around 200, and prepared another 50 meals to take to senior citizens. There is no way that this could have happened without you taking the time to prepare food and to come out to serve. (There were some people who weren’t able to come, but sent food anyway. God bless you!) Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!

We hope that you might like to be involved in the ministry at other times of the year! You are very welcome to come out to Finlay Park any Sunday at 3 pm to participate in worship. If you would like to participate financially, your gifts will be used to help pay rent and utilities at the transitional houses, the rent on the storage units (where donated items are collected, sorted, and stored until they can be distributed), and for gas and upkeep on the ministry van. Donations can be mailed to Keepin’ It Real Ministries, 1037 Elmwood Ave, Box 11, Columbia, SC 29201. Donations of clothing, toiletries, backpacks, coats, blankets, reading glasses, and Bibles, and furniture (for those transitioning off of the street) are also needed. Donations may be dropped off at U-Haul Moving and Storage on Elmwood.  Your gifts are crucial and much appreciated.

Thank you so very, very much for being a blessing to others! God bless you!!

Looking for a way to serve this Christmas? Meals for the homeless are served on Christmas, but none at suppertime.  Keepin' It Real Ministries is working on plans for such a meal on December 25^th. It will be served at the bus transit station on the corner of Laurel and Sumter Streets. The meal will be served outside, but the building offers a roof overhang and some lighting. It is also where the homeless can catch the bus to the winter shelter for the night.  Volunteers should arrive at 4 pm; the meal will begin at 4:30.

Will you please help us to provide this meal? If you will be town and cooking for your family, why not prepare extra!?! Menu items still needed include turkey, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and vegetables. If you would like to help but can’t stay to serve, it would certainly be OK to drop off food, or send it with someone who is coming. It works best to package food in aluminum pans, placed in boxes or coolers to keep it warm.

The gift of your presence, fellowship, and prayers will be a huge blessing for the homeless, and it is sincerely hoped that you will consider being a part of this effort. If you would like to help, please contact the ministry through the website (contact us page), or call Pastor Oscar Gadsden at 803.406.0724. Thank you and God bless!