Helping hands for Jesus
Organization provides food , hope for community
Recently approved funds from the Johnson County Commissioners Court is going to allow one Alvarado nonprofit the opportunity to grow and provide more helping hands than ever before .
Alvarado Helping Hands for Jesus was created in 1997 by Executive Director Lewis King . The ministry assists families , both with spiritual and physical sustenance .
“ I think there has been a point and time when we ’ ve all needed a helping hand ,” King said . I love the fact that we ’ re part of a community that understands that and is willing to be that helping hand for those in need . And I love how Jesus commands Peter in Luke 22:31-32 to help those who have struggled once he ’ s reached that place that he could be that encouragement .”
A Christ-driven ministry , Helping Hands provides evangelism and discipleship , nutrition education , food assistance and more .
The organization provides food assistance for about 300 families a month . They are able to feed a family of four for a month for only $ 28 .
“ The families that come through our doors are as diverse as the paths that led them here ,” King said . “ We assist the elderly in stretching their fixed incomes far enough to afford life ’ s necessities and have groceries in their homes . We meet many young families fighting the financial insecurities often seen as new families are started .”
Cleburne Ford owner Bobby de la Garza is one of many community sponsors who support the ministry . de la Garza has personally gone to their food distribution facility and participated alongside them .
“ Lewis King leads his ministry team in prayer and reading God ’ s word before distributing food ,” de
la Garza said . “ Although the facility is not large , they are very well organized in the method they package and distribute the groceries .
“ All the people who drive up are asked if they have a prayer request . The people are prayed for and the groceries are placed in their vehicle , without the person even having to get out .”
Commissioners awarded Helping Hands $ 1.75 million out of the $ 34.2 million they received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act . That money , King said , will help them build a larger facility than their 13-year-old building that ’ s
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