Ham for the Holidays

The row of sheriff's cruisers and a fire truck by a loading dock, Thursday afternoon was not because of a traffic accident but the annual loading of holiday meals for 105 families in the community.

Sheriff's Deputies from the Community Policing Unit and Firefighters from the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District,  along with volunteers from the Calvary Episcopal Church loaded Sheriff's Office vehicles with boxed ham dinners. The participating organizations including the Indian Rocks Beach Rotary Club donated the money for the purchase of the ham dinners with all the trimmings.

Rev. Robert Wagenseil of Calvary Episcopal thanked the volunteers and blessed the meals.

"Most people see you when they get a ticket or they get sick. Add this to the list. They were hungry and you fed them. They were living alone and you visited them," Wagenseil said.

Publix provide the meals at a reduced rate.  Each meal included a fully cooked 6 -7 pound ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, apple juice, iced tea, white sliced bread, peanut butter, Little Debbie Christmas cakes, candy canes, and heating instructions.

The holiday ham event is in its eighth year. Feeding families in need isn't just a holiday project. Throughout the year the church continues its work through the Beach Community Food Pantry. The pantry is open every week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Calvary Episcopal Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1615 First St. in Indian Rocks Beach.

The pantry is always accepting monetary donations and all non-perishable food products, as well as pet food, to keep the pantry going.  If anyone would like to help with holiday meals, or the food pantry, please contact the Calvary Episcopal Church at 727-595-2374, or see the church's websitefor additional information.