Bixby Church Helping Feed Families For Independence Day

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

BIXBY, OK -- A Bixby church is starting a new tradition and celebrating the 4th of July with what they're calling fireworks of food. They're sharing Oklahoma values while honoring the red, white and blue.

A soggy holiday weekend didn't stop members of the Bixby Community Church from loading their cars with a traditional 4th of July meal.

"We have some potato chips, we've got barbecue sauce," said John Roach, Bixby Community Church.

Donated by Rib Crib, the food is part of the church's new tradition called Feeding Families for the Fourth.

"We celebrate that we live in the land of plenty, so we want to share what we have with those that might not have as much this weekend," said Roach.

"There's a lot of people that are having tough times this year and we just want to be able to give back," said Andrea Britton, Bixby Community Church.

The church reports it's typical to feed those in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas. So why not on our country's birthday? They've prepped 69 baskets for single mothers and others who may be struggling.

"They always say, "Christmas in July," well this is Christmas in July," said Mona Smith, who is a Bixby resident.

Smith and her family got a barbecue basket. Without the treats, she says it might have been a bland holiday.

"Probably have hot dogs, maybe. We appreciate it," said Smith.

Church members say the idea came from watching fireworks. It got them thinking about how it's important for everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to celebrate freedom.

"We want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to celebrate 4th of July this weekend. We just want to be a blessing to those people in our community," said Roach.

It seems to be working. Besides a good meal, the baskets are bringing lots of smiles.

"I think it's great. When people need help, these people are there to help us and they made my 4th of July," said Pam Guthrie, who is a Bixby resident.

The church also conducts a bike drive at Christmas to help children get bicycles. Learn more by visiting the Bixby Community Church website.