MEMPHIS, TN - By mid-morning, the lines wrapped around the block as thousands of Memphis families prepared to celebrate the season of giving a little early.
On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the COGIC Saints handed out free food, clothing and toys to the needy during the church's annual "Christmas in November" community outreach event behind the Chisca Hotel in Downtown Memphis.
Church members host the giveaway every year during their annual convocation.
Those who received the items say the large turnout speaks volumes about the huge need in The Bluff City.
"It's a lot of us," says program recipient Patrice Smart. "You can see that right now, it's a lot of us. And they pray for us, trying to save you, too. It's a very good blessing, very nice blessing. Bless all the people with some stuff they might didn't have before."
There's no word from COGIC if this tradition will continue in Memphis next year. COGIC announced plans to move its' annual convocation for 2010 to St. Louis.
