WJCR holds Food Ministry Benefit today

Christian radio station WJCR plans to have its third annual Food Ministry Benefit beginning at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday to help feed needy families and entertain those who go with music and other activities.

The big draw will be Inspirational Country Music Awards winner Tommy Brandt, who will perform during a 7 p.m. concert, station Vice President Lauree Powell said.

Also playing Saturday evening will be Mike Manuel, Carson Howard and Nikki Headley.

Before they take the stage, afternoon performers will be: The Bowman Family; Dennis Bowling; Jackie Dixon and First Light; and the WJCR World Changers Band.

Also on tap are events including a 1 p.m. cornhole contest, children’s activities, horse and buggy rides and a 5 p.m. auction. Plus, there will be a free dinner of barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers and desserts.

Last year, about 700 to 750 people attended the benefit, which brought in about 13,000 cans of food, Powell said. The station expects a crowd of 1,000 to 1,200 this year.

“It’s just a fun time,” she said.

The station ee" which will erect a tent that will seat 1,100 ee" has more than 200 acres between Millerstown and Upton.

Admission will be three canned goods. Also, a love offering will be collected during the concerts.

“It’s all to benefit our Food Ministry,” Powell said.

The station gives food to the needy each Wednesday. The effort helps feed between 630 and 650 families, who can participate once a month. The number of those fed is continually growing, Lauree Powell said.

WJCR ee" 90.1 FM ee" buys roughly 24,000 pounds of discounted food every month from several organizations, according to its Web site.

The person who brings the most canned goods to Saturday’s event will receive a handmade guitar. The award for second place will be a trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn.