Operation Arresting Hunger continues helping families on Thanksgiving with food distribution

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A group of people with a table in the middle. The woman on the left is holding a can. The woman across from her is holding a red bag. The men next to them are smiling. — Volunteers gathered at the Chief Rape building on Tuesday, Nov. 25 to pack 250 bags of food for families in need. (Sandra Hernandez/HHJ)

WARNER ROBINS — Operation Arresting Hunger spent the days leading up to Thanksgiving packing and delivering food to those in need.

On Tuesday night, volunteers with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office assembled bags filled with corn, green beans, yams, cake mix, frosting, two whole chickens, peas, Coca-Cola and Lay’s potato chips. Various organizations donated items, including Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola and Perry Middle School’s FBLA.

The following morning, volunteers and deputies gathered to drive around the community and deliver the food. The bags are distributed mostly throughout Houston County, but also include families located in Peach and Bibb Counties.

Houston County 911 Database Operator, Kelly Leary, said the organization gave out enough food to feed approximately 1,500 people.

Leary said families needing help are nominated anonymously to OAH. They will then call the family asking for their permission and if it would be beneficial. After approval, they will provide their address and their food will be delivered.

She said the event has grown tremendously over the years. When Leary first started six years ago, they packed approximately 100 boxes. The number has more than doubled this year, with 250 boxes for Thanksgiving.

Red bags filled with food on the ground. — The bags were distributed throughout Houston County and in parts of Peach and Bibb Counties. (Sandra Hernandez/HHJ)

Leary said last year, during Christmas, the organization helped 51 children. So far this year, they are expecting to help up to 85.

“They’re so grateful. That’s what it means to us to see the look on their faces. Especially the kids with Christmas. Just to see them it’s so humbling and that’s the spirit of Christmas. That’s what makes it for us,” she said.

Leary also shared that a declining economy contributes to a growing need in the community. However, she said OAH will be there to help.

“That’s what we’re here for is our community…most of us are first responders so that’s what we do. We help our community and we’re out there and that’s what we’re here for. If we can advance that and help it more in any way, that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.

To learn more about Operation Arresting Hunger, click here or keep up with them on their Facebook page here.