PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Boxes and boxes of food could be found inside Portsmouth’s First Baptist Church on Elm Street Sunday morning - all of it is going to those who need it most.
This is the 8th food giveaway by Norfolk-based non-profit, I’m Train Ready.
It’s something they do a lot during the holidays, but volunteers say hunger is a year-round problem that doesn’t disappear when January rolls around.
“This is a place where you can come back, no questions asked," Kim Jones said. "It’s a no-judgement zone. We love what we do... You don’t need to meet a certain criteria, it’s not restricted by income or anything like that. You just show up and get a blessing. That’s what we’re here for, just to be a blessing.”
Volunteers sorted through food donated by local grocery stores and community members, and boxed it up to give to families in need.
Dexter Ray is the nonprofit’s president. Next month, he’ll celebrate the group’s one-year anniversary of giving back to the community.
“I come up as underprivileged, I understand what it is, not to have,” Ray said. “Me and my wife, this is what we do. We do this from the heart. This is our passion.”
The non-profit relies entirely on donations.
Volunteers say making sure every family has food on their table, throughout the year – is a gift on its own.
“We’re still here. We just want them to come on by," Vanessa Thomas said. “It’s been very rewarding; A blessing just to see a smile on people’s faces as they come to receive the gift. It’s just a blessing.”
The group is mobile, and travels around Hampton Roads to make sure families don’t go hungry.