Keepin’ It Real Ministries has several ongoing needs for the summer!  Just as the weather heats up, daily water distribution in Finlay Park is in full swing to help prevent heat related illness. An estimated 3600 cases of bottled water will be needed. The ministry is seeking churches and groups to sponsor water drives throughout the summer, but all donations will be gratefully accepted.

Recently, Pastor Oscar reported two unfortunate situations. A local ministry that has provided meals in the park for several years has endured a crisis, and is unable to continue. Meals are served in other parts of the city, but the concern is that some will go hungry if unable to get to those locations. Also, for a number of years, the ministry has had a sponsor who picked up shortfalls in rent and utilities at the mens’ transitional homes. Unfortunately, this sponsorship has ended, and the ministry must now cover these expenses. If you or your small group would like to help, the ministry is seeking volunteers to prepare bag lunches for 50-100 people, or to help with financial contributions.

There is always an ongoing need for men’s summer clothing.  If you would like to help with any of these ministry needs, please contact us at keepinitrealministriessc@gmail.com or call Pastor Oscar Gadsden at 803.406.0724. Water and clothing may be delivered to U-Haul Moving and Storage on Elmwood Avenue. Thank you and God bless!

Keepin' It Real Ministries celebrated its 8th year if service with its Anniversary Celebration on April 14th. Volunteers provided food and backpacks (with t-shirts and toiletries) for 330 people!!!! Thank you so much to the many who came out to serve and to participate in worship. It was an inspiring day. God is SO good!

As summer approaches, the ministry is preparing for the heat. Bottled water will be distributed daily in Finlay Park in an effort to prevent heat related illness. There is also a continuing need for men's pants, t-shirts, and new socks and underwear. Donations are gratefully accepted at U-Haul Moving and Storage on Elmwood Ave. (see donations page for directions). Thank you and God bless!

Greetings from Keepin' It Real Ministries! We will soon be celebrating our 8th anniversary of ministering to the homeless in Columbia!! The Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, April 14th, in Finlay Park. We are still in need of new backpacks and t-shirts for distribution. Donations are always gratefully accepted at U-Haul Moving and Storage on Elmwood Avenue.

We are now signing up volunteers to bring and serve food for the meal. The menu will be the same as for the Thanksgiving Bash - meats (turkey, ham, and chicken), starches (stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy), mac n' cheese, cranberry sauce, vegetables, bread, desserts, bottled water, and sodas. If you are able to attend this year and would like to bring food to share, would you please let us know what you would like to bring? We will add you to the list.

We will celebrate worship at 3 pm. Following the service, it is our goal is to bless 500 people. If you would like to be part of this effort, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you on the 14^th! Thank you and God bless!

There is currently a critical need for men’s pants and jeans. Pastor Oscar reports that they are almost completely out. Do you have some that you have not worn in a while that you might be willing to donate? Would you be willing to ask at work or at church to see if others might have something to contribute? At this time of year, blankets and warm clothing are also always needed as well. Donations are gratefully accepted at U-Haul Moving and storage, 1037 Elmwood Avenue.

We hope that you will check out the Ministry Needs page, as well as the 2013 calendar. Please let us know if you would like to be involved! You are invited to join us for worship on Sundays at 3 pm in Finlay Park!

Thank you and God bless!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who came out to feed the homeless on Christmas night! Pastor Oscar was amazed at how many volunteers were there, and at how much food they brought! We were receiving e-mails from people who wanted to help as recently as yesterday! We don't yet know how many people were fed, but we will try to let you know when we figure that out. We are grateful for all that you did to bless the homeless tonight. God is SO good!!

We have one last event on the 2012 calendar! Are you looking for a place to serve this Christmas? Keepin’ It Real Ministries invites you to make a difference this holiday season. Because most Christmas day meals are served earlier in the day, Keepin’ It Real serves at 5 pm outside the Transit Station on the corner of Laurel and Sumter Streets. This location is convenient for transportation to shelters. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and to help serve. If you and yours plan to have your meal earlier in the day, why not help provide for those in need? Prepare a little extra, and come out to share your food, your time, your conversation, and your smile. You will be greatly appreciated… and very blessed by the experience. The meal sign-up is coming along, but we still need turkey, chicken, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, and veggies. If you would like to sign up, please e-mail us at keepinitrealministriessc@gmail.com, or go to the "Contact Us" page.

Merry Christmas! Thank you and God bless!