By Message Staff
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Baptist Collegiate Ministry members and a men’s discipleship teamed up with the Rapides Parish School District and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to lend a helping hand to needy families Friday, April 3.
Seven members of the LSU-Alexandria Baptist Collegiate Ministry and 10 members of a men’s group at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria were among a handful of groups who distributed food boxes and vegetable seeds at schools throughout the parish. The school board’s Facebook page reported that seven groups gave out 1,250 food boxes, along with bags of fruit, to families with children to use throughout this week. Families also received 1,250 seed packets to plant in home gardens.
Every participant was equipped with protective face shields and/or masks and gloves, which were provided by the school board.
LSU-A BCM Director Jamey Gilliland told the Baptist Message his students were honored to represent their university and Louisiana Baptists at Pineville Elementary School, where they gave out 170 food boxes and 170 seed packets.
“BCM students never fail to impress with their work ethic and joyful attitude,” Gilliland said. Now we have to add attention to public safety. Students never complained about wearing cumbersome face shields or sweaty latex gloves. I was honored to be with these extraordinary people.”
Meanwhile, 10 members from Calvary gave out 220 food boxes and 220 seed packets at Bolton High School in Alexandria. Group member Brandt Daigle enjoyed serving alongside other men from his church.
“I think it’s important for men in this community to step up in times like these and give our time and effort into ensuring people in need receive some blessing, whether that is handing out food or offering a short prayer for their families,” Daigle said. “Those nine guys I served with didn’t hesitate in jumping at the opportunity to serve the people of this great community and embrace [Superintendent Jeff] Powell’s vision of ‘better together.’ It was also refreshing to see Mr. Powell loading trailers. It was definitely easy to work for a servant leader.”
