Hundreds gathered April 24 at The Peaks at Manning for a day centered on service, fellowship and outreach, as a 500-meal community giveaway quickly grew into something much larger.
The event, hosted by Johnny’s Meats LLC, led by Pastors Johnny and Wendi Green, in partnership with Release Outreach Ministries and Dr. Amelia Bradshaw, drew a turnout that exceeded expectations and underscored a growing need in the community.
“We asked God for a blessed 500, and it was even more,” Bradshaw said. “The next time we’re going to do 1,000. I know we’re going to have to find a bigger place, maybe a park or even a stadium.”
The April event built on an earlier outreach in November 2025, when 200 meals were distributed from the Tractor Supply parking lot in Manning. That effort also drew a strong response, with food gone in less than an hour.
“That really got me excited,” Bradshaw said. “I told my team we’ve got to do more next.”
They followed through with the 500-meal giveaway, but even that number was not enough to meet demand.
“It was awesome,” she said. “We were so sad that after the 500, we still had lots of people coming.”
Within about 30 minutes, most of the meals had been distributed. As more residents arrived, organizers worked to make sure no one left empty-handed.
“I went down the line to everyone and apologized that the meals had stopped,” Bradshaw said. “To show appreciation, I wanted to give them a gift. They were so satisfied, and nobody was upset because of it.”
Volunteers handed out new items including water bottles, snacks, book bags, clothing and shoes to those still in line. Bradshaw said all of the items were new and part of the ministry’s broader outreach efforts.
The impact extended well beyond the event site. Meals were delivered to senior centers in Summerton and Paxville, and 97 boxed meals were sent to facilities connected to the Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. Those meals reached staff and residents in multiple group homes across the county.
Bradshaw said the event was made possible through strong community partnerships and support from volunteers, churches and donors across the region.
“I would personally like to thank Ms. Minnie Sabb Levell, the property manager at The Peaks at Manning and employee of Gateway Management,” Bradshaw said.
Johnny’s Meats LLC played a central role by providing the food for the entire event.
“Johnny’s Meats provided the whole meal, and I provided the drinks,” Bradshaw said.
In a Facebook post after the event, Pastor Johnny Green reflected on the day’s impact and the spirit of unity it created.
“To see the smiles on the faces of the people, to feel the love in the atmosphere, and to witness a community come together as one, it truly did something to me,” the post reads. “This wasn’t just about serving meals. This was about serving hope, spreading love, and reminding people that they are seen, valued, and cared for
Bradshaw credited Pastor Johnny Green and Pastor Wendi Green for their partnership and support in bringing the event together.
“I thank God for giving me that vision along with Pastor Johnny Green and his wife, Pastor Wendi Green,” she said. “I thank God for them.”
With the success of the April 24 event, organizers are already looking ahead to what comes next.
“I’m excited,” Bradshaw said. “I want to see more, and I want to do more. We’re talking about 1,000 now.”
For those involved, the giveaway was more than a single day of service. It was a visible reminder of what can happen when a community comes together — and a sign that organizers believe this outreach is only getting started.
