Rev. Robert W. Brabson, II and Bill Rogers
C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Ministries van
Distribution Center
Rev. Robert W. Brabson, II
Rev. Tiki Dixson, pastor of St. Mark AME Zion Church, Athens
People Praising God Ministries, based out of Cleveland, held their second annual Winter Wear Giveaway.
Executive Director Pastor Hobert W. Brabson, II, pastor of Harwell Chapel AME Zion Church in Etowah, said People Praising God ministries was establish in 1996.
"We started out with an annual Praise Picnic in my backyard for about 20 years," he said. "We have always been an organization that prides itself on helping the less fortunate."
Last Monday, FedEx delivered 95 boxes of winter coats for men and women, hoodies, blankets, toboggans, insulated gloves and socks.
These items where brand new in plastic sealed bags.
"Last year was our first year, so we donated mostly all the clothing items in Knoxville, Pastor Brabson said, "but this year I decided to stay closer to home and let the different area nonprofits and individuals come and get the items from our Distribution Center in Cleveland.
"I had major help from my brother and sister in Christ, Bill and Pam Rogers, of Price Memorial AME Zion Church. They handled most of the distribution of the articles of clothing. We made donations to The Caring Place, right here in Bradley County. We also made contributions to individuals and those that give food to those less fortunate, and now they can give them something that will keep them warm during these cold days and nights.
"One gentleman walked over from next door to the distribution center with a desperate and immediate need for everything we had to give. This gentleman had one leg and he and his family did not have any heat, except from a small space heater. Bill and Pam loaded him up with coats, hoodies, blankets, toboggans and gloves. He was very appreciative for the wonderful new items.
"We also donated to the Chatt Foundation, C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Ministries in Knoxville, Price Memorial AME Zion Church in Cleveland, St. Mark AME Zion Church, in Athens and to churches in Niota, Maryville, Hamilton County, Blount County, McMinn County and Knox County.
"I thought it would take us at least five days to give it all away. I was wrong. It was all gone in just two days, so the need for these items was great. We look forward to blessing these cities and counties even more in the near future."