The community outreach program is based at the Grace Christian Center, 5555 W. Grant Line Road, in Banta, and supports families during the holidays.
Earlier this month, volunteers went door to door looking for families in need of a free Christmas dinner food basket.
The community outreach program sent volunteers to eight different areas in Tracy, including neighborhoods on the Southside , around Central Avenue and at mobile home communities.
Annette Garrett, executive administrator at the center, said the needy range from young families, to single parents to the elderly.
“This is just a small part of the community — the need is out there, and the need is growing every year,” she said.
Families receiving a food basket have the option of receiving a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing and trimmings or a traditional Mexican-style Christmas dinner including tamales, pinto beans and rice.
Last year, the center helped 113 families totaling 565 people. Garrett said the meals will go to 129 families, or about 600 people.
She said 63 of the families asked for the Mexican-style dinner this year.
“In this community we have both needs,” Garrett said
The church’s congregation donated the food for the baskets and began collecting the items beginning in October.
About 150 volunteers will pack the food baskets at the church starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and then deliver them to families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Garrett said that there is still a great need for food to feed the less fortunate in Tracy.
“We feel like we’re not doing enough, and as a church we want to do more,” she said.
To donate to the outreach program or for more information, contact Annette Garrett at 407-1002.
• Contact Glenn Moore at 830-4252 or gmoore@tracypress.com.
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