‘Love is the key,’ – Miss Fran’s Helping Hands provides meals ahead of Thanksgiving

GIFFORD — A comforting aroma of love exudes from the kitchen at House of God Church located near the heart of Gifford. In the newly renovated food preparation area, organizers packed food trays with freshly cooked dressing, turkey and gravy, green beans, peas and rice along with rolls and homemade pound cake.

Miss Fran’s Helping Hands of IRC passed out trays with dressing, turkey and gravy, green beans, peas and rice, rolls and pound cake during its Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the House of God Church in Gifford. PHOTO BY NICK SAMUEL

Members of Miss Fran’s Helping Hands of Indian River County, wearing their signature bright yellow shirts, handed out more than 200 free Thanksgiving meals at the church on Saturday and also delivered the plates to various residences. The event was one of several meal giveaways taking place in Indian River County ahead of the holiday.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people. That’s what we’re supposed to do…help each other,” said Fran Jackson, senior pastor of the House of God Church and founder of the nonprofit Miss Fran’s Helping Hands of IRC. “Our desire is to reach people that can’t go to get the food. We will go into any neighborhood.”

Jackson, 63, of Gifford, said the annual events also help bring people to the historic, 85-year-old church with 60 members. Jackson said she established Miss Fran’s Helping Hands of IRC in 2021, but has hosted meal giveaways for as long as she can remember.

“I like to feed folks,” Jackson said. “I don’t like to see hungry people.”

Jackson grew up in the House of God Church denomination and watched her parents, Eugene and Bertha Lofton, lead the deacon board. The incorporated church is one of several locations across the nation. Another branch is located at 685 9th St. S.W. in the Oslo area of Indian River County.

“I’ve been here all my life,” Jackson said. “That’s why this church is so important.”

Fran Jackson, senior pastor at House of God Church in Gifford. PHOTO BY NICK SAMUEL

On Sunday, Jackon led the Sunday School lesson, speaking to congregants about finding joy in showing genuine love to one another, even enemies. Jackson reminded the audience to give thanks for the blessings they have, big and small.

“Love is the key,” Jackson said. “In this season of Thanksgiving, it’s not about the turkey or dressing, it’s about serving the Lord.”

Jackson said she has donors, including her primary donor Landis Becker Young, to help out with events hosted by Miss Fran’s Helping Hands of IRC. The nonprofit also gives out hygiene products – including toothbrushes, toiletries and other items – to those in need.

Miss Fran’s Helping Hands will host a family Christmas celebration on Dec. 21 where the group will give out toys and prepackaged meals from Publix to families in desperate need.

“Being of service is so important. We try to help as much as we can,” Jackson said. “Too many of us are saying one thing and doing another. Jesus Christ told us to look after those who cannot look after themselves.”

Photos by Nick Samuel

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