Tuesday Night Tradition: First Baptist Church brings Thanksgiving joy to those in need in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With just two days until Thanksgiving, one church is making sure everyone has an opportunity to have a hot meal for the holiday.

Volunteers at First Baptist Church in Wilmington served dozens of people in the homeless community and others in need on Tuesday night.

People in the church prepare food and host a meal every Tuesday, but this week the menu included Thanksgiving favorites.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, they prepared more than 25 turkeys along with sides like mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese. Of course, making sure not to forget dessert, they also had several pies including pumpkin and apple.

“We do it because we enjoy it. We do it because we are called to as Christians,” said Gary Harris, a member of the church. “It’s a privilege, it’s also a responsibility to love our neighbors and they’re our neighbors. We’re a downtown church and they are downtown.”

A crowd lined up outside the dining hall ahead of the beginning of the meal at 7 pm. The first in line — Donald Palmer.

“It’s blessing every year,” Palmer said. “They help people. They really help people. They show their way of helping people but other places don’t. We enjoy coming to First Baptist.”

After everyone enjoyed their meals and had a chance to get seconds, they had the opportunity to go through the “Clothes Room.” A room full of clothing of all sizes and types, including shoes and winter jackets.

People could also pick from toiletries before utilizing the shower truck stationed outside the church.

While the church will not have a feeding on Thanksgiving Day, they will continue hosting the Tuesday Night Feeding Ministry every Tuesday at 7 pm. It’s hosted at 411 Market Street.