A church in New Jersey is celebrating a successful Christmas outreach after it packed 1.2 million meals to be sent overseas to those in need. The non-denominational Liquid Church has 7 campuses throughout the Parsippany, NJ region. It announced its plans for the outreach to all its campuses, with the goal of packing over one million meals over the weekend of December 6. “We’re partnering with Rise Against Hunger to host meal packing outreaches at 7 locations across New Jersey. The meals we pack will serve children and families battling chronic malnutrition in Zambia and other developing nations,” the post announced.

The church told The Christian Post it had over 6,000 volunteers across all seven campuses. “We simply couldn’t have done this without an army of incredible volunteers. We have seen an incredible response to our annual Christmas Outreach from the church community and our local communities across New Jersey,” said the church’s Communications Manager Brooke Stempert. She said she hopes the project brings volunteers a sense of pride. “Christmas is a season of giving and generosity, and we hope that the volunteers who served at our Christmas Outreach feel a sense of excitement and pride to be a part of this. Alone, we may not be able to do much; but together, we can accomplish [an] incredible amount. Serving others is what the Christmas season is all about.”

Another group that helped with the outreach included members of The Rose House, a program which “creates forever homes that make dreams come true for people with developmental disabilities throughout Morris County, NJ,” according to its Facebook. The group helped with over 100,000 food packages during the event. Prior to the event, it presented Liquid Church with its Golden Rose Award. “This award is our highest honor given to a person or organization that provides exemplary support and advocacy for its community. Liquid Church also exhibits exceptional dedication for those with special needs every year,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. The announcement noted how Liquid Church had helped with Rose House’s Fall Outreach, as well as with building a wheelchair ramp and deck. It also acknowledged Liquid Church’s “Night to Shine” prom events that are held for people with special needs every year.

The church has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a basement church with 20 members started in 2007. This year’s total is the highest amount of meals the church has ever packed. It’s a great reminder of the “true meaning of Christmas,” according to a member of the church’s teaching team, Zachary Taylor. Writing on the church’s blog, he shared ways others could make the season, which can get so bogged down by Christmas shopping and cookie making, a greater representation of the true gift of Jesus Christ. “So this season, how can you serve the people around you?  Maybe it looks like holding the door an extra 20 seconds at the grocery store entrance?  Maybe it looks like bringing Christmas snacks or treats to co-workers this week? Maybe there is someone in your life that you need to speak encouragement over–just to tell them they’re doing a good job,” he wrote. “These things sound so simple, but they remind us of something important: the true meaning of Christmas.”