Tree of Life Community Church Hosts "Christmas in July"

It's common for schools, businesses, and churches to host food drives around Thanksgiving and during the Christmas season, but not as much during the summer months and other parts of the year.  For food pantries such as the Salvation Army the need for donations is just as great, if not greater, during the summer months as it is during other parts of the year.  Not only has the downturn in the economy increased the number of families that are dependent upon the Salvation Army to provide groceries for them monthly, but during the summer months children who would otherwise be eating up to two meals a day at school are now expecting those meals at home creating an even greater strain on the family budget.

For that reason and because Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), Tree of Life Community Church is hosting a "Christmas in July" Food Drive to help replenish inventory at the O'Fallon Salvation Army.  During the month of July, the church is receiving donations of canned good and non-perishable food items at service on Sundays, at the two Backyard Bible Clubs it's hosting July 10-12, and at it's Family Fun Night on Friday July 13th.  "We believe in the mission of the Salvation Army and are grateful for the services they offer to people in our community" says Sam Byers, pastor of Tree of Life.  "Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel or duplicate those services, we feel that we can do the most good by partnering with the Salvation Army to help meet the physical needs of people in our city."

To drop off canned goods or other non-perishable items call (636) 525-1569.  For more information about Tree of Life Community church, check out their website at www.treeoflife.cc.