Once a month Charlotte’s Cupboard feeds those in need, but during the holidays they give some lagniappe — a little something extra.

Charlotte’s Cupboard is a ministry of Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur. They have been ministering for more than three years, according to Nequel Hull, operations manager for Charlotte’s Cupboard.

Charlotte’s Cupboard will be giving away Christmas food bags from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17th at Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church 1919 Jefferson Drive in Port Arthur. The bags will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

For Thanksgiving, they gave clients a turkey with all of the fixings and they will do the same for Christmas. Treasurer Deloris Coleman said they usually see more families who need help during the holidays with more than 50 in attendance.

Meats can sometime be served for meals during the rest of the year, depending on donations.

“We’ll feed as many as we can and we take donations,” Coleman said.

The ministry started when Pastor Albert Moses Jr. and First Lady Charlotte Moses saw a need in the community and wanted to meet those needs.

Hull said there’s a food bank on the west side of the city, but one was needed on the other side. Also, there are nearby apartment complexes such as O.W. Collins.

Before the ministry started the church would prepare food and give it to people on the streets.

Hull said other relief agencies are familiar with Charlotte’s Cupboard and they help some of the other agencies such as the United Board of Missions when they have an overflow. She added though Catholic Charities’ Hospitality Center on Gulfway Drive serves food, they can’t get everyone.

“There’s a lot of people in need,” Coleman said. “Elders sometimes have to make a choice between buying their medicines versus buying a meal. People get ill or they go through a crisis.”

They also deliver meals to some of their homebound clients. Sometimes prayer is provided for people. Some have joined the church through the ministry.

If there’s an emergency need, customers can call the church for help.

“Our goal is to one day serve hot meals and move to a bigger building,” Hull said. “No one is turned away. We make some people’s Christmases.”

The ministry is based on Matthew 25:35-36 and 40 — ³⁵ For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

³⁶ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

⁴⁰ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

“We try to be likeminded as Christ. It will bless you when you’re a blessing,” Coleman said.

To make a donation call 409-962-9792 or 409-543-4561. Nonperishable food items can also be donated.

David Ball: 409-721-2427