Tag Archives: Helping the poor

Church Gives $30,000 In Gift Cards To Needy Families

A Richardson, Texas Baptist church is actively working to change the lives of those in need in their community.

The Heights Baptist Church gave away more than $30,000 in gift cards and more than 1,500 toys as part of their annual “Three Trees” event. The outreach is named after a sermon series from 8 years ago when the pastor discussed the importance of three trees in Jesus’ life: the wooden manger, the fishing boat, and the cross.

“We feel it is necessary to serve others as this is a pretty clear mandate in the Scripture,” Pastor Richard Covington told the Christian Post. “We cannot think of any other way to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior better than doing the very thing He did and that is to serve others. Serve is one of the four core values around here; worship, grow, serve and share. This is not just a one-off event.”

Every child at the outreach was given a new toy and $20 gift card to Payless Shoes. The parents of the child were given the option of a $40 gift card to Target or Wal-Mart.

“About eight years ago we asked a question,” Covington said. “If we cease to exist, would the community miss us? Not the people who come here every week, but the people who never step foot in?’ So we said, ‘No, not unless we serve.’ One of the best ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is to serve.”

Several church members assisting with the outreach were former recipients of the church’s reflection of Christ. Cesar Popoca received the church’s gifts in 2007, 2008 and 2010 but now is a plumber who volunteers and gives to help families that are where he once had been.

“When I came the first, second and third time I wanted to be on the other side,” he told the Dallas Morning News. “I love to serve. I feel like I’m in the place I need to be.”

NYPD Officer Gives Homeless Man Shirt Off His Back

A New York police officer is being hailed after literally giving the shirt off his back.

Officer Carlos Ramos, a member of the NYPD transit bureau’s anti-terrorism unit, was searching for suspicious packages or activity in Manhattan when he found a homeless man shivering and ripping up his T-shirt to wrap his bare feet.

The man, Robert William, had gotten his boots wet on a morning with temperatures well below freezing.

Ramos took off his sweatshirt and handed it to the man so he could warm up. Police officials say it’s not the first time the 29-year-old has taken extra steps to help those in need in the community.

“I’ve helped out other people, especially when it’s cold,” Officer Ramos told the New York Daily News. “A nice cup of coffee, a tea, whatever seems appropriate… always wanted to help those that need help, protect the city, protect the country.”