Christmas Baskets for Families in Need

“Gather everyone you can find and invite them to the feast…and the hall was filled with dinner guests.” Matthew 22:10

 Franklin First is proud to partner with sister churches in the area to host two community dinners weekly.    

On the first, fourth, and fifth Tuesdays of the month, Hope and Red Lion United Methodist volunteers cook up tasty entrees for anyone interested in a complimentary meal and table fellowship. The meal is served from 4:30-5:30.    

Every Thursday, St. Mary’s Catholic Church provides great food and warm smiles to our guests. This meal is served from 4:00-5:00.    

No reservations are necessary.  All are welcome for a free meal.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to me.”                                             Matthew 25:40

During the school year, we package shelf-stable items weekly to go home with Anthony Wayne Elementary students to meet weekend nutrition needs.    No child should have to live with food insecurity, and sound bodies lead to sound minds. 

Our snack packs are assembled on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 pm and anyone is welcome to assist with the process. 

   Donations toward the food items are always appreciated.

“The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”  Luke 4:40

Every Tuesday evening, a volunteer medical staff offers free services to uninsured and underinsured guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Clients are treated with dignity and information is kept confidential.

    Registration is from 5:30 – 6:30, and entry is through the front doors of the church.  

  Well-checks, infections, blood pressure and diabetes maintenance, and sports physicals are just some of the kinds of care provided. 

No medications are available.

 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 6:10

Our Angel Shop is open during the Homecoming and Prom season. Students can shop for formal wear at no charge. Watch our website and social media for upcoming shopping dates.

Donations of gently-used and clean formal wear are accepted.

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed.’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”                                                                                     James 2: 15-16

Throughout the calendar year, Franklin First collects items for the Franklin Community Pantry and also Franklin City Schools. 

For the Pantry, we gather food items along with non-food items that their clients value such as personal care supplies, baby needs, cleaning, and paper products. 

We help our teachers and students by collecting supplies prior to the beginning of the school year.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:39

Franklin First hosts the yearly holiday distribution of food and gifts for children, a community effort under the direction of coordinator Tami Chamberlain.    

In 2021, 70 families received food baskets, 93 children aged 0-12 years received toys, and 30 teenagers were given gifts. A total of 262 individuals were served by around 60 volunteers from various churches and organizations.   

Franklin First is proud to be part of such a community-minded city.

“He fed them curds from the herd and milk from the flock.” Deuteronomy 32:14

Each year, the children of Franklin First sponsor a “noisy bucket” drive to collect change for their Heifer International project. The money collected goes to purchase animals that are given to needy families around the globe, offering a hand up rather than a handout.

The products and offspring of these animals provide sustenance and income to the family, enabling them to move toward a healthier life. Following our last drive, Franklin First collected enough money to fund two alpacas, one goat, one sheep, one pig, a hive of honeybees, and a flock of chicks.

Donations are welcome to help our children reach their mission goals.