PORTAGE | Members of Real Life Community Church took the meaning of Valentine's Day to another level Sunday.

The congregation collected nearly $28,000, knowing all of the funds would be distributed to individuals, families or organizations in need.

"We felt we wanted to demonstrate Christ's love," Pastor Dick Emery said.

The church leadership made the decision that all money collected Sunday during the worship service would be used to help others. Contributions were up 50 percent over a normal Sunday offering, Emery said.

To determine who was in need, leaders asked members to send letter or e-mails outlining needs of others. A committee decided whose needs would be met and how much would be received. The member who provided the suggestion received a check to deliver to the individual, family or group. All those in need received some level of funding.

"We had people from those who were out of work to those in a medical crisis," Emery said. About 50 families or individuals received donations, along with the Portage Township YMCA, Portage Food Pantry, First Contact, Portage Resale Shop and a Haiti relief organization.

"We have generous people, and people who are really concerned about their neighbors," said Emery, adding they hope to have such an offering about once a year.

The Sunday worship attendance ranges from 900 to 1,000 people per week, Emery said.