1st Savannah Hosea Feed the Hungry

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- With record unemployment, job losses and foreclosures, more people are in need of help now more than ever. For so many neighbors, the tough economic times have made a hot meal a luxury.

"We have working families that are hungry right now. We've got individuals that are under the bridges in Savannah, GA. We've got individuals that are homeless on Bull Street, and we've got individuals that are one paycheck away from poverty," said the Rev. Carl Gilliard, president of the Georgia Coastal Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

The Georgia Coastal Southern Christian Leadership Conference is trying to do its part, by bringing a longtime Atlanta tradition here -- Hosea Williams' Feed the Hungry and Homeless.

So they arranged the 1st Savannah "Hosea Feed the Hungry" event Monday night in honor of the late Dr. Hosea Williams.

"Since Hosea Williams is from the Savannah area, reference to his works, we decided to partner and to ask them to let us have a satellite in Savannah. so we're the only satellite in the nation outside of the national Hosea feed the hungry," said Gilliard.

Dozens of community groups and volunteers helped make the event possible. About 50 local groups donated food and their time to serve their neighbors in need.

Free health screenings helped many who are suffering from the high costs of health care.

Veronica Williams said she came mainly for the free services. "Because of my diabetes I need to go on and get my eyes done and make sure I've got glasses and be able to see what's coming at me," said Williams.

The Georgia Coastal SCLC plans another program next month with even more services.

"A lot of people are alone. People that don't just have... their needs are not being met, so we're praying that we can continue," said Gilliard.

The Georgia Coastal SCLC said they served about 500 people.

The group will have another event on December 23 that will include a job fair, among other services.

If you'd like to volunteer or donate, you can call the SCLC at 912-349-2908.