The Big Give

Church remembers pastor in hosting third annual event

By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 12/14/16

LOXLEY, Alabama — As it prepared to host its third annual Big Give program this past weekend, volunteers with the Loxley Church of God couldn’t help but reflect on what has been a difficult past …

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The Big Give

Church remembers pastor in hosting third annual event

Loxley Church of God volunteer Blake Wolfe checks out residents during Saturday’s Big Give program at the church.
Loxley Church of God volunteer Blake Wolfe checks out residents during Saturday’s Big Give program at the church.
JOHN UNDERWOOD / GCM STAFF PHOTOS
Posted

LOXLEY, Alabama — As it prepared to host its third annual Big Give program this past weekend, volunteers with the Loxley Church of God couldn’t help but reflect on what has been a difficult past year.

“It has definitely been a challenging year,” said Amy Causey, the church’s administrative assistant who organizes the event, “but it has also made us stronger as a church and as a community.”

In September, the church’s pastor, Herman Knapp, was killed in an ATV accident in Monroe County.

“This was something that was near and dear to his heart,” Causey said in a telephone interview on Thursday before the event, “and I’m sure he will be on the minds of all of our volunteers on Saturday.”

The program began in 2014 as a way to expand the church’s ability to give back to the community during the holiday season. More than 600 residents participated the first year and more than 200 signed up to participate on Saturday.

“We had done the Angel Tree program in the past and we were looking for a way to expand on that and reach more people in the community,” said Causey in a 2014 interview. So, the staff reached out to members of the church, along with a few local businesses asking for donations of new or gently used items.

While a few local businesses participated in the beginning, Causey said, all of the donations this year came from within the church community.

“Many of our church members don’t have a lot themselves, but when it comes to giving to those in need, they always find a way,” she said.

On Saturday at 11 a.m. following the Loxley Christmas parade, the church opened up its multipurpose building which was filled with its donated items.

The first year, vouchers were given out for 15 Big Give Bucks to be used to purchase 15 items. This year, Causey said, the focus of the program is toys and participants will be allowed to choose five toys to be able to take home and enjoy.

“It’s been different every year based on the donations we receive,” Causey said. “This year, by far most of the items were toys, so this year we’re focusing on toys. We don’t really need vouchers for that. They know they can have a certain number that they’ll be able to take home with them.”

The program is open to adults over the age of 18, Causey said, and each adult will be allowed to select five toys.

The Big Give program began as part of the church’s larger commitment to serving the community called “Love Strong.” Which included a three-fold commitment, including providing food boxes at Thanksgiving; “Operation Christmas Child” shoebox program which provided necessary items to 220 families; and The Big Give program.

If you would like to learn more about this and other church community outreach events, contact Causey at amy@loxleychurchofgod.org, call the church at 251-964-6604; or visit the church’s website, loxleychurchofgod.org.