Chosen 300 Ministries provide meals, groceries and free haircuts in Philly on Good Friday

PHILADELPHIA - Chosen 300 Ministries, which began in Philadelphia and now reaches people around the world, offered extra support for neighbors on Good Friday, including meals, groceries and free haircuts for Easter.

Chosen 300 Ministries expands outreach for Easter weekend

What we know:

Chosen 300 Ministries handed out meals, groceries and free haircuts to people in West Philadelphia on Friday, April 3. 

The organization, which operates locally and internationally, aimed to help neighbors prepare for Easter.

Volunteers, including barbers, arrived hours before doors opened to set up for the day. 

"I appreciate all the barbers and everybody that has something to do with this I appreciate it very much," said Gus Shired of West Philadelphia.

The group also provided groceries for people to take home, which many say is crucial as food costs rise. 

"Groceries are just so expensive now I mean I went to the grocery store the other day and got two bags and it was $85. I’m like what did I buy and and so a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and if the struggle if it’s a struggle for me, I know it’s a struggle for them," said Brian Jenkins, executive director of Chosen 300 Ministries.

Neighbors describe the impact of Chosen 300 Ministries

What they're saying:

"I love chosen 300. Yes, I do.!" said Cheryl Countil of West Philadelphia. She added, "It means a lot we’ve become family being out here because most of us out here three days a week trying to make ends meet so you know it really helps all of us. We really love, Pastor Jenkins and his team."

Robert Lewis, a volunteer who once received help from Chosen 300, said, "it’s time for me to give back to the community because I feel as though every day I give, God gives me back you know what I’m saying? so it’s a blessing for me to be here every day. I come in three days a week."

Organizers say the goal is to spread kindness and support, especially during the Easter season. 

"And if we can show kindness to someone else, it just gives me allows me to give a little bit back. The price never can pay it back, but if I give a little bit back to him by serving others, that’s what it really means to me," said Jenkins.

Chosen 300 Ministries helps people almost every day of the year and is always looking for volunteers and donations, according to organizers.

What we don't know:

It is not clear how many people received support on Good Friday or what specific plans Chosen 300 Ministries has for the rest of the Easter weekend.