DaytonDailyNews.com

FAIRBORN — A steady stream of vehicles snaked through the parking lot of the Living Water Apostolic Church on Saturday, Nov. 22, where 200 free frozen turkeys were given away to those in need.

Pastor Randall Penrod said this was the third year the congregation at 420 W. Funderburg Road has done the giveaway before Thanksgiving.

Among the thankful recipients was Jessica Calhoun, 31, of Fairborn, a mother of two.

"I just got laid off from DMAX in June," she said. Calhoun said she was able to find work at the Moraine assembly plant, but then was laid off from there in September.

"It's been really hard to find a job making near what I was before, so this helps a lot," she said, before driving off in her pickup with the frozen bird stuffed into a child car seat.

Member Don Reinert, 53, of Beavercreek, said the church — formerly known as Calvary Christian Fellowship — purchased the 2,200 pounds of meat that he was more than happy to help unload onto waiting tables.

"God's blessed us," he said. "We realized the neighborhood we're situated in has a lot of people in need."

Church members handed out wrapped cookies and hot drinks to motorists as they waited in their cars a few minutes, inching their way to the front of the line. They filled out a short sheet of paper with their name and address and any prayer requests.

Church member Joyce McPeek noticed many motorists had finances and health concerns weighing heavily on their minds, "and we've had some who need a job."

She stood at each car briefly praying with the occupants, before sending them off with "God bless you."

Tim Snouffer, 50, of Fairborn said he just got laid off Friday as a heavy equipment operator at a gravel pit because work wanes in the winter months. He doesn't expect that work to pick up again until April.

He said a lot of people are hurting in this "scary" economy and that's why the church's gift of food means so much.

"I think it's great," he said. "I don't know how they can afford to do it."

Penrod pointed out the church started the effort as a goodwill gesture three years ago, long before the economic downturn.

Church member Jerry Oakley, 66, of Marysville, said the congregation gets something in return — knowing they helped some folks during a tough time.

"We get a blessing out of this," he said.