Church expanding giveaway event and pre-Thanksgiving feast in New Haven to Hartford residents in need
New Haven’s premier Thanksgiving dinner and giveaway for the needy is welcoming people from the Hartford area for the first time this year.
Pastor Brenda Adkins and her husband, John Adkins, of His Divine Will Fellowship Church in Hamden, decided to invite Hartford area residents to their “Day of Joy” event on Nov. 19 because they’ve had so many calls of people in desperate need in the capital city.
“We have enough to share with the people of Hartford,” said Brenda Adkins, whose son lives nearer Hartford. “We want Hartford to know we love them.”
The Oct. 30 deadline to register is fast approaching.
The “Day of Joy” is intended to be just that — a chance for families to have a sit-down dinner together and take home groceries for a Thanksgiving meal and not worry about food insecurity for a day. They will also receive brand new children’s winter coats from Knight’s of Columbus, socks, a “blessing bag” of toiletries, disposable diapers, baby formula, N-95 face masks and possibly more, depending on what is donated and until supplies last. They have newborn-size diapers as well as sizes three, four and five. Children must be present to receive a coat.
Donations are down, she said, so the church raised a lot of money on its own over the summer.
The buffet dinner is a chance for families to “sit down together,” and talk, as they may not get a chance to do that regularly, she said. Dinner will include ham, ribs, chicken, chopped barbecue, turkey, stuffing, collard greens, potato salad, candied yams, macaroni and cheese. Masks are required when not eating.
“It’s beautiful,” she said of watching the families. “We want to bring the family unit back because that line of communication is being broken.
While Hartford area residents are welcome, they will have to travel to get there because the event will be held at the Q House in New Haven where it all began 10 years ago.
The event is not a walk-in, as it requires pre-registration. New Haven folks who attend are identified through city schools. They already have 637 households signed up with 18 more schools to go. In the case of attendees from Hartford, it is an open call. Brenda Adkins said anyone interested can call her at 203-836-6832, and she will fill out applications on the phone.
The Adkins, who have dedicated their lives and ministry to helping the neediest, said they get many calls for help from the Hartford area and are thrilled to open the event. Brenda Adkins said they hear a lot of stories, including lately a lot about rent increases and people having to choose between feeding their kids and paying bills. Schools are also increasingly looking for help from outside sources, she said.
“So they welcome what we’re doing. They’re so thankful,” Brenda Adkins said.
Q House is located at 197 Dixwell Ave. in New Haven. The “Day of Joy” begins at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 19. Registration is required. Contact 203-836-6832 for more information.
