Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:02 PM CST
Feeding the Soul
Churches partner to help local families on Thanksgiving
By Christina Morgan

During some of the hardest economic times many have seen in decades, Zion Hill M.B. Church Pastor Michael Benton recently worked with local Memphis Wrestling owner Corey Maclin to ensure more families have a hot meal this year for Thanksgiving.

On Nov. 13 Maclin held a gospel concert with artists like Kevin Davidson and The Voices at the Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Whitehaven.

The admission price for the more than 1,000 people who attended was simply one non-perishable food item.

I did this 20 years ago when I first started in radio, Maclin recalled. Now, there is more of a need than ever. Thats what Thanksgiving is all about.

Maclins collection of several hundred cans only enhanced the food drive Benton had started weeks earlier with his congregation.

With more than 300 active members, Benton asked each person to donate 10 items to feed the less fortunate this Turkey Day.

This is the second year Benton has helped the community by collecting food.

The donated goods were distributed Sunday afternoon in the Millington and north Memphis areas.

Benton said last year he was able to feed around 50 families, but with Maclin’s help he can now feed 75 to 100 families.

Zion Hill gives special thanks to Corey Maclin for allowing us to collaborate in this effort, Benton said.

First cousins Benton and Maclin both grew up in Millington and attended Millington Central High School.

It goes a long way in the community, Benton said.

They duo plans to make this an annual event, and possibly connect with MIFA to feed needy families throughout the year.

With the help of the Sisters and Sons of Zion, collected items that included more than 50 turkeys, were arranged into baskets Sunday and delivered that afternoon by members of the church.

Benton said he wanted to encourage members to stay after Sunday’s services, so that they may each get an understanding of how it feels to give back.

It is vitally important (to give back),  Benton explained When we give back we imitate and emulate what Christ has done and is doing in our life, because not only does it sustain, but it stimulates the needy in this time of economic crisis.