Church helps residents

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE For a second time the members of the Rushing Waters Assembly of God in Chicopee have reached out to the residents of the Chicopee Village Townhouse complex. On Nov. 21, church members collaborated on a program in which residents of the housing complex received supplies for a turkey dinner, access to donated clothing and an evening of fellowship.

Mariann Gonzales, the coordinator for activities at the housing complex, told The Chicopee Herald that 300 people participated in the evening, which included a craft room and music program for children as well as holiday snacks for everyone. Seventy-five families received turkeys and other food items for Thanksgiving.

"I'm very happy," Gonzales said of the turnout. "I didn't expect the number of people."

Pastor Dan Peloquin of Rushing Waters Assembly of God said in September the church members had assembled and donated 100 bags of school supplies to the residents. This Thanksgiving effort was made possible with assistance from Price-Rite, Wal-Mart and Freihofer's bakery, as well as donation made by the church, Peloquin said.

Church members have been gathering used clothes for the past three months and made a financial contribution of at least $1,000, he added.

"We know that the people we've come in contact with there is a need," Peloquin said. "It's [efforts such as this one] an opportunity show Christ's love."