Helping hands; Alvarado nonprofit hosting annual 5K fundraiser on Saturday

Jun. 2—Recently approved funds from the Johnson County Commissioners Court is going to allow one Alvarado nonprofit the opportunity to grow and provide more helping hands than ever before.

Alvarado Helping Hands for Jesus was created in 1997 by Executive Director Lewis King. The ministry assists families, both with spiritual and physical sustenance.

"I think there has been a point and time when we've all needed a helping hand," King said. I love the fact that we're part of a community that understands that and is willing to be that helping hand for those in need. And I love how Jesus commands Peter in Luke 22:31-32 to help those who have struggled once he's reached that place that he could be that encouragement."

A Christ-driven ministry, Helping Hands provides evangelism and discipleship, nutrition education, food assistance and more.

The organization provides food assistance for about 300 families a month. They are able to feed a family of four for a month for only $28.

"The families that come through our doors are as diverse as the paths that led them here," King said. "We assist the elderly in stretching their fixed incomes far enough to afford life's necessities and have groceries in their homes. We meet many young families fighting the financial insecurities often seen as new families are started."

Cleburne Ford owner Bobby de la Garza is one of many community sponsors who support the ministry. de la Garza has personally gone to their food distribution facility and participated alongside them.

"Lewis King leads his ministry team in prayer and reading God's word before distributing food," de la Garza said. "Although the facility is not large, they are very well organized in the method they package and distribute the groceries.

"All the people who drive up are asked if they have a prayer request. The people are prayed for and the groceries are placed in their vehicle, without the person even having to get out."

Commissioners awarded Helping Hands $1.75 million out of the $34.2 million they received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. That money, King said, will help them build a larger facility than their 13-year-old building that's about 3,400 square feet.

"The goal is to build a new facility triple the size we're in right now," King said. "We will get a new freezer truck, a pick-up truck and a new facility."

The location of the

"The new facility will strictly be a feeding center," King said. "My long-term goal and dream since day one was to also have an education center where we have the opportunity to do some education for our community whether it be GED classes, English as a second language, financial classes, etc. A lot of clients we see are in a cycle of financial decisions that are poor. Being able to educate and empower would be wonderful."

Volunteers of all ages are always welcome.

"We always need volunteers," King said. "Volunteers are cyclical and as life changes they move on from season to season."

Homeschool families, Alvarado High School National Honor Society members and others are regular volunteers.

"I've just never seen anything like this community," King said. "This community really bands together. I'll put Alvarado up against any other community in this country. Hands down."

Another unique aspect of the program is Chappy, a veteran who goes out with each car when they come to pick up food and ask them if they have any prayer needs. If they do, he will pray with them right then and there.

"Sharing Christ's love with these families in their time of need creates a very unique opportunity for discipleship to families that may have never visited a church or had an earnest talk about Jesus before," King said.

Haul for Hunger

To help reach their annual budgeting goals, Helping Hands hosts two fundraisers each year — a car show in Lillian and the Haul for Hunger 5K in Alvarado. The latter of those will be held this Saturday.

"It's our biggest fundraiser of the year," Lewis said. "Not quite a quarter of our annual operating expenses are raised through the 5K."

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Alvarado Square. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and will end at the square.

de la Garza encouraged residents to participate in Saturday's Haul for Hunger.

"It will raise the awareness that there are people in our county, who have a need for groceries," de la Garza said. "Helping Hands for Jesus serves the Alvarado area with the highest level of honesty and integrity.

"I hope many people will come out and show their support for this ministry which quietly serves the needs of people, who are hungry, and encourages them with prayer. As their name implies, Jesus is the answer and they exist to help meet the need of providing food for the people of the Alvarado area."

Helping Hands is at 404 N. Parkway Drive. Their hours are 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating or becoming a financial supporter, call 817-783-2701 or email hh4jesus@gmail.com. Visit their website at alvaradohelpinghands.com.