Hope in the City, launched in November, is making a major impact on the people of Detroit. On Saturday, Nov. 22, more than 2,200 families were blessed with gifts at Second Ebenezer Church’s 9th Annual Feed the Children event. This year, the church partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson delighted the children, participants and volunteers.
“I’m here to give back, something I learned from my mom and dad,” said Johnson.
“Not only did he inspire all of us with his generosity and message, he also worked at the event by helping to pack food into the cars of our recipients while it rained no less,” said Bishop Edgar L. Vann, senior pastor of Second Ebenezer, who, like Johnson, was later that evening honored at the Michigan Chronicle’s Legacy in Motion event.
With the goal of impacting 6,000 families during the Christmas season alone, Hope in the City is well on its way. Working in collaboration with community partners and sponsors including Meijer, Talmer Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Coca-Cola, Errol Service of McDonald’s and Mr. Alan’s who all share a history of helping people in times of crisis, and Second Ebenezer promises that Hope in the City is endless.
“This is not a one-time event or limited campaign. Our mission is to spread hope through help all year-round. The need is great and it doesn’t come and go with the holidays,” said Vann.
Indeed, the Kids Count Data Center reported that 59 percent of Detroit’s children, an estimated 99,000, lived in poverty in 2013.
“People are not able to pay for their basic needs. Parents are choosing between paying rent, utilities, transportation, other bills and food,” said Vann.
Upcoming Hope in the City Programs include the following.
• Ongoing: Hope in the City Food Drive: Everyday, Hope Begins with Health & Nutrition. Hope in the City Food Pantry Canned Food Drive is ongoing through Jan. 31, 2015. Please bring non-perishable, unexpired food items such as peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruits to Second Ebenezer Church Monday-Saturday, 9:00-5:00 p.m., or Sunday before and after the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. Second Ebenezer proactively looks for families in need and delivers the food.
• Ongoing: Angel Tree Prison Ministry: Angel Tree, a Prison Fellowship, reaches out to the thousands of Detroit children of inmates and their families with Second Ebenezer Church. Through this ministry, Second Ebenezer is meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the children and families of prisoners.
• Dec. 20: Lifting Through Gifting: Adopt-a-Family. “Lifting through Gifting” is a Christmas meal distribution for 100 selected families. Second Ebenezer is partnering with other churches and organizations to bless families in need with Christmas dinner.
• Dec. 21, 2014, 10 a.m.: “Hope in the City Live! — produced by Bishop Edgar L. Vann. A special illustrated sermon includes drama, dance and music ministries in a life-changing presentation featuring Bishop Vann and a special cameo appearance by an internationally-renowned artist from Detroit. This production will happen only once, during the 10:00 a.m. service.
• Feb. 20-22, 2015: 18th Annual Second Ebenezer College Fair. Detroit’s largest college fair featuring 50 colleges and universities, financial aid, a Greek step show and more.
To donate, partner or participate in Hope in the City, contact Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre Road, Detroit, MI 48212.
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