File photo by Shelley Hanson Nearly 500 people are expected to show up in North Wheeling to receive free food to make Easter dinner.

WHEELING – The Bethlehem Apostolic Temple in North Wheeling has hosted an Easter food distribution event each year since 1991, but this year the church is doing so without a sponsor.

Items for Easter dinner – along with clothes and school supplies – will be handed out beginning at 11 a.m. on April 4, the morning before Easter, at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.

Dresses and suits for young children will be available, but the youths have to be present to get first choice of the items. The remaining clothing will be made available to children not attending following the event, explained Bishop Darrell Cummings.

Food items available include ham and other meats, as well as fruits, vegetables and canned goods.

“It’s everything we believe it would take to have an Easter meal,” Cummings said.

A “stuff-the-bus” event is slated to happen from 4-6 p.m. on April 2 at the Riesbeck’s in Elm Grove. Those wanting to donate may purchase items at the store, bring some from home or provide a cash donation, he added.

He noted the church was “a little bit challenged” this year as it prepares for the Easter distribution.

“This is the first year, no main sponsor,” Cummings explained. “We’re just stepping out on faith. Things are going but it’s a little bit slower, and we’re more nervous because haven’t had the support we’ve had in the past. We will continue to do our best.”

That means much of what is being given away is being purchased on a credit.

“We’re using credit cards and lay away, and that’s not the way to do it,” he said. “We’re counting on God to help us.

“We believe God has called us to it and he will make a way. If not, we will have to decide if he does want us to continue. But we believe he wants us to.”

Cummings said he hears testimonials on a regular basis from those who received at a time when they needed it through his distributions.

“These come from people who needed help,” he continued. “There’s no residency or income requirements. It’s a first-come, first-serve basis. As long as we have it, we will give it to you.”

For those who can’t make it to the Stuff the Bus event, but who still want to contribute to Bethlehem Apostolic Temple efforts, they should log on to the church’s website at greaterloveminitries.org. There they will find “numerous methods in which to give virtually,” Cummings said.

“If anybody is in need they shouldn’t be ashamed to seek help,” he added. “If they don’t know where to get help, help is available. The only thing they should be ashamed of is if help is there and they refuse to get it.”