Local church distributes household and personal care items
By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and Fresh Fire Covenant Church International (Fresh Fire CCI) has a variety of programs geared towards helping others.
Monday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Fresh Fire CCI gave away free household and personal care essentials at their church’s location at 216 South 2nd St. in downtown Copperas Cove.
Dr. Nica Holland was on hand throughout the distribution, to help people fill out applications before helping them receive items tailored to their specific needs.
“I build their file according to the conversation that I have with them and according to whatever they fill out in their application. Whether it’s an individual, whether it’s a couple, whether it’s a family with children or grandparents. Whatever their demographic is, it doesn’t matter. Whatever their income bracket is, it doesn’t matter. What matters to us is the need,” said Dr. Holland. “Is there a need that’s not being fulfilled? Is there a way that we can help you fulfill that need? That’s what we focus on.”
After the application is filled out, it is good for the calendar year. They can come back to the church once a month to receive assistance.
Holland said that there are a lot of food pantries, but not as many that are able to give out other essentials like they do.
In addition to some food items, Fresh Fire CCI also distributes things like baby lotion, pads, stool softeners, Advil, and diapers. They have toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shampoo, mouthwash, dish soap, and a lot more. They make sure that they have options for both men and women.
Fresh Fire CCI uses the application to help determine which items and how many of each will go to the applicant and/or their family.
“There are always needs that we may or may not know about,” said Holland.
Not only does Fresh Fire CCI help with hygiene items, household items, and food, they also help out in other areas.
“We do have a full-fledged ministry, and, in this building, we have our business services,” said Holland. “We offer so many opportunities for people to get counselling, consulting services, business management services, life skills, you name it in addition to the pop-up services we offer here in Central Texas.”
They offer many free events such as Monday’s giveaway and veteran services, and they also offer paid events such as their finance class to be held Feb 24. They offer the ability to rent their space (both inside and outside) for a variety of events. They even rent out their office space for mobile notaries.
For more information on upcoming events, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100068048353610.
Yvette Smith attended Monday’s giveaway as a vendor, Evie’s Treats, selling tasty goodies.
“I started with the Small Business Saturday and set up. She allowed all of us to set up and it was good for networking,” said Smith. “[Holland] is a wealth of information. She’s just a sweet person.”
Those who want to help or those seeking help can come to the church’s physical location during regular hours or they can reach out via telephone at (254) 577-5145 or email ffcci.staff@gmail.com.