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COURTESY PHOTO
EMU student Catherine Nordloh interviews Star of Zion church secretary, Estella Flowers, at the clothing drive in Northwest Goldberg. |
The Star of Zion Missionary Baptist Church held a food and clothing giveaway last fall at King Solomon Baptist Church. Church members said the giveaway, which took place from morning to mid-afternoon, was a definite success.
Clothing of all kinds was distributed, and free hot dogs and pop were served. Giveaway organizers invited everyone from the community to take food and clothing.
Joe and Estella Flowers, a middle-aged couple from Southfield, are longtime Star of Zion members. Joe Flowers is head of the board of trustees, and Estella Flowers teaches adult Sunday school classes.
Estella Flowers said she came up with the idea of the giveaway while preparing a lesson for Sunday school. She said the event was planned to reach out to the community and help those in need.
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COURTESY PHOTO
EMU student Catherine Nordloh interviews Star of Zion church secretary, Estella Flowers, at the clothing drive in Northwest Goldberg. |
"It’s not all about selling," Estella Flowers said. "It’s about giving."
According to Estella Flowers, interest in the giveaway exceeded her hopes.
"People came and got bags and bags of clothing."
Joe Flowers said the giveaway also generated interest in the church. He said one man joined the church, and some visitors donated money.
The Star of Zion Missionary Baptist Church congregation currently meets at the King Solomon Baptist Church. The Star of Zion’s own building is in the process of being renovated.
The Star of Zion is taking steps to help women in the Northwest Goldberg community. The new building will have day-care facilities, and the church owns an abandoned house that members want to fix up and turn into a shelter for battered women, Joe Flowers said.
The Star of Zion Missionary Baptist Church congregation is led by the Rev. Baker, owner of Baker’s Bible and Book Store.