Feed the Sheep Ministries of Bremen hosts several seasonal initiatives throughout the year, including this weekend’s Fourth Annual Hallelujah Festival, which offers free games, food and prizes to children as a “fun alternative to trick-or-treat in the streets on Halloween,” according to Bernice Glass, who founded the nonprofit organization with her husband, Melford, and their daughter, Tamra, in 2000.

She asks parents to join their children at the event that kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Bremen Activity Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., while noting a slew of games that will be on hand for children up to 12 years old. With support from the Bremen Police Department and Recreation Department, the evening will include a variety of activities, including hay rides, bowling, as well as a fishing game that awards live goldfish to selected winners. A moonwalk will also be on site to enjoy with an assorted menu of hot dogs, sodas, snow cones and other treats.

Glass said the yearly effort has been a big success every year, especially with the support of volunteers and businesses in the community. Employees from the Wal-Mart Vision Center in Bremen will be administering free eye checks, as members from Arise Baptist Church energize the crowd by performing a puppet show. She added that Bremen Police will have a table to distribute literature about safety and other tips that should be exercised this time of year.

Although the economy has taken a toll on many families, the Glasses say it’s still important to lend a hand to families who may be facing an even tougher time.

“Some people may not have the money to take their kids out (dressed in costumes), so this gives people hope and shows that someone loves them and cares,” Melford said.

His family believes the holidays aren’t just about receiving, but going the extra mile to help someone else. They’re currently accepting donations for FTSMB that will support the Thanksgiving effort, in which they deliver approximately 800 meals to sickly residents. They’re also gearing up for an annual trip to Atlanta in January, when they’ll deliver 250 packages to homeless people, which will consist of blankets, coats, snacks and hygienic products.

For more information about Feed the Sheep Ministries of Bremen, or to make a donation to the community initiatives, call 770-537-2705.