TAMPA, Fla. (WTSP) – When Ronald Felton was gunned down last November in front of the church and food pantry where he was heading to volunteer, the church leaders had two choices: recoil in fear or stay the course.
They chose the latter.
Four months later, they’re still on that course, arriving at 5 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday to feed the hungry.
But this Friday morning, volunteers were greeted with something different.
A large, full-color plaque now hangs on the fence along the side of the church, with a picture of Ronald Felton and words that rename the food bank in his honor.
“Out of that tragedy, we are now triumphant,” said Pastor Samuel Washington. “The Lord has blessed us to get new people to come in to help, and to make the transition a little smoother.”
The newly-named Ronnie Felton Food Pantry will also hold a community barbecue and canned food drive on Saturday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to noon to keep the shelves stocked. Church leaders are also accepting donations for a scholarship in Ronald Felton’s name.
“There's over 200 families we serve each week, which represents over 1,100 people. That’s a lot of mouths to feed,” said Washington. “But the Lord has blessed us to be able to continue to meet their needs, week after week.”
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
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