First Fruit Ministries hold holiday banquet for those without homes

Wilmington, NC (WWAY)– Although it’s not Christmas time yet, First Fruit Ministries held their eighth annual holiday banquet on Saturday.

This annual celebration invited people without homes and enjoy a nice holiday dinner with music, and receive much needed donations like jackets, gloves, and socks for the winter season.

Their mission is to shine a light to people who are in unfortunate times, give hope, encouragement, and a sense belonging to those in need

Lee Anna Stoker, one of the founders of First Fruit Ministry, explains why and how they accomplish that goal.

“We go out and pick up everyone living outside, and we bring them here to have their own party. One thing about being unsheltered particularly, is that you never have a place to belong. Nowhere is where you are supposed to be, it feels like. When we bring everyone here, they know they are supposed to be here. This is their place, and it just changes the way you feel about everything”, said Stoker.

First Fruit Ministries began in 1998 and is now going strong for 27 years by sticking to their mission, “love they neighbor”.