Food pantry turns down turkey donation
By: Erica Quednau/WCIA-3 News
Updated: November 21, 2012
Update: 10:21 pm, 11/20/12, Tuesday
OAKWOOD -- People got twice the Thanksgiving Tuesday. Last week, Oasis Adult Shop was sent packing after trying to donate to the Oakwood Food Pantry. The church that runs it said the business didn't follow their values but that didn't stop Oasis from helping.
OAKWOOD -- People got twice the Thanksgiving Tuesday. Last week, Oasis Adult Shop was sent packing after trying to donate to the Oakwood Food Pantry. The church that runs it said the business didn't follow their values but that didn't stop Oasis from helping.
Employees parked out on the street, right next to the food pantry. They passed out all the essentials for a good Thanksgiving meal from the back of a truck. It included 80 turkeys and bags filled with vegetables. People who stopped by say they didn't care where the food came from, they were just grateful.
Original: 11:01 pm, 11/13/12, Tuesday
OAKWOOD -- A Thanksgiving donation is causing controversy. That's because to this food pantry, not all turkeys are created equal. Especially, if they are donated by an adult bookstore.
The Oakwood Christian Church runs a food pantry twice every month and next week is all about Thanksgiving. So far, about 40 people signed up for a turkey, but it won't come from Oasis Adult Store.
It's a store with XXX on the front. The general manager planned to donate 50 turkeys to the cause, but was turned down.
Original: 11:01 pm, 11/13/12, Tuesday
OAKWOOD -- A Thanksgiving donation is causing controversy. That's because to this food pantry, not all turkeys are created equal. Especially, if they are donated by an adult bookstore.
The Oakwood Christian Church runs a food pantry twice every month and next week is all about Thanksgiving. So far, about 40 people signed up for a turkey, but it won't come from Oasis Adult Store.
It's a store with XXX on the front. The general manager planned to donate 50 turkeys to the cause, but was turned down.
The church says it's against its morals to work with the company and they have plenty of food to give away. Oasis' general manager says everyone is entitled to their own opinions and the church's won't keep him from helping this Thanksgiving.
He plans to give away those 50 turkeys and canned goods from his own truck, Tuesday at 9:00 am.
Comments
Ummm...if I am not mistaken here...I don't believe there would have BEEN any free advertising if the church would have just taken the donation....so in the end.....the church created this publicity. I believe that store ([censored]) has donated to more than one youth club or team in this town and never once asked for public notification. Where someone works does NOT make them a bad person....it is attitudes, ignorance and arrogance that make for bad people and leave bad taste in peoples mouths.
Brenda H.
November 21, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Good for him, Pop Quiz who pays taxes? Will Oakwood refuse taxes from the Book Store that pays to plow the street in front of the churches? I don't think so.
Ronald B.
November 21, 2012 at 11:21 am
OK, so let's flush all the silliness. I am the pastor of the Oakwood Christian Church. The Oakwood food pantry is a ministry of the Oakwood Christian Church. Common sense tells you that a [censored] distributor makes for a lousy ministry partner! The decision to decline donations from the [censored] shop was a food pantry board decision made last summer...why all the fuss now? NOBODY will go hungry as a result of this decision. The food panty is supported 52 weeks of the year by the churches in Oakwood along with the kind people of Oakwood. Where are the TV cameras then? We are not seeking publicity. We operate the panty and give in the name of Jesus. Think about it, what politician would accept campaign donations from [censored] distributors?
The Bible says "What fellowship is there between darkness and light? It also speaks about NOT being in partnership with unbelievers. This is NOT about food. It is about "Testamony" and "partnership".
Let's talk about "Judging others". It seems this text out of Matthews gospel is the most quoted text of the Bible. It always seems to be used to justify non-biblical behavior. So, by declining the donation are we judging the [censored] shop? Well, in a sense, yes, unintended as it was. Yes, [censored] erodes marriages, exploits women,damages children, ruins relationship and bankrupts morals. Can a church partner with a [censored] shop? Get real!
Bottom line is that they got all the publicity they wanted. They can also pat themselves on the back and feel good about themselves. What needs to be clear is that RESPECTABILITY is not something for sale in Oakwood.
Rev, B.
November 21, 2012 at 8:55 am
OK, so let's flush all the silliness. I am the pastor of the Oakwood Christian Church. The Oakwood food pantry is a ministry of the Oakwood Christian Church. Common sense tells you that a [censored] distributor makes for a lousy ministry partner! The decision to decline donations from the [censored] shop was a food pantry board decision made last summer...why all the fuss now? NOBODY will go hungry as a result of this decision. The food panty is supported 52 weeks of the year by the churches in Oakwood along with the kind people of Oakwood. Where are the TV cameras then? We are not seeking publicity. We operate the panty and give in the name of Jesus. Think about it, what politician would accept campaign donations from [censored] distributors?
The Bible says "What fellowship is there between darkness and light? It also speaks about NOT being in partnership with unbelievers. This is NOT about food. It is about "Testamony" and "partnership".
Let's talk about "Judging others". It seems this text out of Matthews gospel is the most quoted text of the Bible. It always seems to be used to justify non-biblical behavior. So, by declining the donation are we judging the [censored] shop? Well, in a sense, yes, unintended as it was. Yes, [censored] erodes marriages, exploits women,damages children, ruins relationship and bankrupts morals. Can a church partner with a [censored] shop? Get real!
Bottom line is that they got all the publicity they wanted. They can also pat themselves on the back and feel good about themselves. What needs to be clear is that RESPECTABILITY is not something for sale in Oakwood.
Rev, B.
November 21, 2012 at 8:55 am
Really Crystal? You're going to liken taking a food donation from an Adult Bookstore to taking toys from a [censored]?
Wolf in Sheep's clothing, indeed. I bet you think you are doing God's good work by feeling that way.
I'm sure the unemployed, hungry people in this town feel just the same way you do.
Felicia D.
November 16, 2012 at 3:38 pm
This got free advertising for the store didn't. If the store was sincere they could of made a private donation! Would except toys from pediphiles for your children. I know I wouldn't. Be aware of a wolf in sheeps clothing. There is a big difference in not accepting a donation and not passing judgement.
crystal s.
November 14, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Wow Brenda H you said it great! This is crazy like you said the pastor is supposed to forgive people of their sins and not judge shame on you oakwood church. The Nunez family are great people they do a lot of goid for the town of oakwood they support the sports they are always there feeding people at the games buying the whole team t shirts as a reward for their hard work they help those in need and they are taking their hard earned money to do something good out of the kindness of their hearts! Joe you guys are good people with good strong family values what you are doing is great. Again shame on you church of oakwood.
Autum B.
November 14, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I dont like the store being here anymore than anyone else. I am not proud that I can give directions to my town by saying look for the 3 big red xxxs..but it is what it is...we could say, %u201CHey..welcome to Westville where we have more bars than churches,%u201D....every town has their downfall. But I even like less the idea of food for the homeless or needy being turned away. Churches are NOT suppose to judge...I am not a %u201Cchurchy%u201D person but it doesnt mean I am stupid to the facts of the bible. The Gospel.of Matthew states "Judge not, that you be not judged." There is all kinds of sinning in this world.... a sinner is a sinner no matter what they are doing to attain the title... the church takes offerings from plenty of people.repenting their variety of sins from fornication, adultery, thievery, alcoholism or drug addictions, etc. every week but I am sure they dont mail those people back their money. My question is, are they going to start removing people from their congregation FOR their sins??? If so there will be a lot of empty pews in the church in this town. I personally don%u2019t like hypocrites, and it is no different than anyone at any time of their life who has sinned that set(s) foot in that church and puts money in the offering plate and the church deposits their money in their account%u2026they are accepting money of sinners, so why is this different than accepting some frozen food for the needy??? I assure you their money would not be thrown out on the floor or denied to be deposited for the church funds. What goes through me is the audacity of A MAN OF GOD or a board deciding who will be fed and who will go hungry, even IF they can supply food for 50 families without the donation%u2026there are 50 more families somewhere in this county who need that food or there could be 25 more families the week after that may need food. That is not a decision someone of his faith should be making%u2026he should feed the hungry as in Matthew 25:35, %u201CFor I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.%u201C But to take food out of the mouths of needy people I DONT agree with. It shouldn%u2019t matter who provides the food..the point is..it was provided.
Brenda H.
November 14, 2012 at 1:05 pm
