VALDOSTA, Ga. — Project Rescue Outreach Ministries hosted fathers and families at a Father’s Day luncheon Saturday at Olympic Park.

Project Rescue Outreach Ministries is a new organization in Lowndes County that has a goal to create a lasting solution to poverty, hunger and homelessness, said Alonzo Atkins, founder.

It was the second feeding hosted by the organization, and Atkins said he plans to hold a feeding for the homeless and less fortunate every third Saturday of the month.

Atkins decided to start having feedings on the weekend because there are other groups that focus on feeding the homeless and less fortunate during the week.

“We recognize that this, on the weekends, is when people aren’t being fed,” he said. “The turn out so far is pretty good. At our last feeding, we fed about 300 people.”

Along with food, Project Rescue Outreach Ministries hosted a clothing giveaway, free HIV testing with the public health department, several ministry outreach organizations, reading glasses giveaways and the back to school supply drive.

Project Rescue Outreach Ministries targets the homeless and less fortunate, but the feedings are open to the community, he said.

Homeless man Raymond Hise came out to the luncheon to receive help, listen to ministry workers, help the organizers and to “enjoy a good Father’s Day around a bunch of good people,” he said.

For Hise, events such as the Father’s Day luncheon are important to him, he said. It gives him a way to break away from his daily routine.

“It gives you a different mind set from where you are out everyday struggling,” Hise said. “You can come here and feel welcomed, get food, they give us clothes. It’s just a refreshing mindset to come here and enjoy this for a day, and then kind of step back into my world. It’s very uplifting.”

To receive help from, volunteer with or for more information on Project Rescue Outreach Ministries, call (229) 215-5866, email alonzoatkins122@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.