A Brookhaven native has worked for years to give back to the community where she was raised, and now she is doing it again.

Jennifer Howard-Tate will host her second Free Household Supplies Giveaway Friday, Aug. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Rhema Word Worship Church, 1034 South First St.

“This is to give back to the community, demonstrating Christ’s love through giving,” Howard-Tate said.

She conducted the first such giveaway in June and “it was explosive,” Howard-Tate said. More than 1,000 families from Brookhaven and the surrounding areas showed up to claim the free supplies.

With traffic help from Brookhaven police officers, cars lined up back toward downtown. Some families said they waited in line nearly three hours, Howard-Tate said.
“We gave out household supplies, toiletries, bug spray, disinfectant wipes, etc.,” she said. “This time we’ll have another truck similar to that. We won’t know exactly what is on the truck until it gets here.”

The supplies come from a North Carolina ministry that partners with Howard-Tate’s own non-profit, she said.

A 2000 alum of Brookhaven High School, Howard-Tate’s family owns Williams Mortuary.

“I’ve always been very active in this community, and I just want to give back through giving for needs, and teaching,” she said.