During the Christmas season when family needs seem to be the most urgent, and local resources are strained, a local church food ministry has initiated a call to assist nearly two dozen out-of-work food service personnel, according to First Baptist Church of Tallapoosa ministry spokesman Andy White.

The church wanted to help after a Nov. 28th explosion closed the Country Kitchen Restaurant, a part of the Newborn Truck Stop complex on Georgia Hwy. 100 South.

White said the ministry was “burdened for the group as it is for many families throughout the year.” The FBC mission fund committed to each of the 20 workers a gift certificate to a local food store, and said the church will receive donations from the public on their behalf.

Donations of non-perishable food or cash may be dropped off at First Baptist, located on the corner of Head Avenue and Lyon Street. Checks should be made out to First Baptist Church and earmarked “Truck Stop Mission Fund,” according to Pastor Jason Hatchett.

“There are many people in need, and it seems it is more acute at this time of year,” added Rev. Hatchett.

A restaurant spokesman said the Country Kitchen has targeted Dec. 26 at their re-open date; however, the restaurant will not be fully operational.

A truck driver for River City Propane was injured in the explosion which occurred as he was re-filling a propane tank for the restaurant and the gas ignited. Robbie Jordon was treated for burns at Tanner Medical Center in Bremen and released on the day of the accident. No restaurant employees or other truck stop workers were reported injured.

The blast and fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen annex and filled the restaurant with smoke, according to Haralson County Fire Chief Brian Walker. No official estimate of damages has been released. The Georgia Fire Marshall’s Office is conducting the investigation.

The adjoining shop at the truck stop remained open after the fire, and The Chrome Shop was re-opened the next day. Several Haralson County and Tallapoosa fire trucks were called to the scene of the incident, which occurred sometime before 8:35 a.m.

For more information on any ministry at FBC, contact the church at 770-574-7697, or e-mail bettyjo@fbctallapoosa.org.