Church to put turkeys on the table

For five years, members of Kingdom Worship Center on East Fowler Avenue have rejoiced with glee to extend an olive branch of love and giving to downtrodden families during the holiday season.

This year is no different, but this time around they need an extra hand.

The 100-member congregation was prepared to dole out turkeys and food supplies for Thanksgiving dinner to 1,500 families this year then 2,000 registered for the handout.

"We had to shut down the requests about two weeks out because our budget was for 1,500," said Robert Fruster, the senior pastor at Kingdom Worship Center, 1102-C E. Fowler Ave. "We are working on the 500-family overflow."

Should the church reach its goal, Fruster would still be uncertain that would be enough, he said. Based on prior years there are always walk-ups. "We don't want to turn anyone away," said Fruster, 54.

The church also plans to give away 10 computers and pay one lucky family's utility bill for six months, he said.

The event, called the "Day of Thanks Community Outreach," is set to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot at the west end of University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave.

This year marks the first time the mall will host the church event. Last year, the congregants staged the giveaway at the church in a shopping center storefront previously occupied by the electronic store Sound Advice. The church provided for more than 1,000 families.

Church member Annette Brooks, 52, of Odessa, described the effort as God's will.

"We know there are people in need," said Brooks, who works with Fruster and his wife, Brenda, to secure sponsors and publicity for the holiday giveaway. "The Lord said you must take care of people in need."

But the project is personal for Brooks.

"I was born poor," said Brooks, a wife and mother of four. "I know what it is like to be without. I am from a family of 14, so that is why I give back. I haven't forgotten where I came from."

The church bought turkeys and other groceries for out-of-work families and those living on part-time work or minimum wage with the support of sponsors Tampa law firm Rebein Bangerter Rebein PA and auto dealership Jim Browne North Tampa Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Fruster said.

For information about donations, contact Fruster at (813) 713-1860 or go online to www.kwctoday.com and click resources' news and events to register to sponsor a family.