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A giveaway in Whaleyville on Saturday helped many residents in the rural area get food and other necessities.

The Suffolk Christian Fellowship Ministry and Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center held the drive-through giveaway at Whaleyville Recreation Center at 132 Robertson St. They had more than 50 cars come through to receive a box of food and a bag containing bread, paper towels and other needs. Those in need of incontinence briefs were also able to receive them.

Those volunteering said they want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

“I think it’s important for multiple reasons,” said Jasmine Wilkins, a minister at Suffolk Christian Fellowship Ministry. “One, so that we can always do God’s mission and that is to feed His people. It’s also a heart thing. These people can’t get out, they’re high-risk, and this already puts everybody in a bind. You’re already afraid of the virus itself and what it can possibly do to you. If we can ease one of those fears — and that’s just how am I going to get out and get something to eat without putting myself at risk — then we’re doing our job.”

Lorna Slaughter, co-founder and chief operating officer for Suffolk Christian Fellowship Ministry and Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center, said it has been her hope for some time to bring the community together with this type of event.

“I’m trying to bring us together as a community in a greater way,” she said.

Associate Pastor Debra Hill of Love Center Family Church said it was her first time volunteering with SCFM.

“I think that we can accomplish more together as a group than as individuals,” she said.

Churches represented through volunteers on Saturday included Suffolk Christian Church, Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church, Community Church, Love Center Family Church, Main Street United Methodist Church and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

The center previously held a Saturday giveaway in the Holland community on April 18 and saw a great response. Slaughter plans another one in the Hobson area in June.

For more information, call 353-0471.