Collaboration Makes a Difference for Guests of Honor in Columbia

​​At the end of September, Convoy of Hope hosted a Community Event in Columbia, South Carolina, where more than 2,000 Guests of Honor received groceries, children’s shoes, meals, health services, haircuts, and more. 

The weather was perfect — sunny, but not too hot. Nearly 1,000 volunteers with smiling faces gathered to serve their community. “The atmosphere was peaceful and hopeful all day long,” said Convoy’s Jason Bachman.

“It was incredible to see so many churches in the city working together in unity — not just for this event, but being committed to long-term, ongoing compassion efforts,” said Convoy’s Ryan Bowles. 

The impact of a Convoy Community Event lasts past the day of the event itself. Local churches, businesses, and organizations collaborate to serve and meet the needs of their community. They get to see firsthand what can happen when they work together, creating excitement and a desire to do more together for the good of their community. 

When guests come to a Community Event, they are greeted with friendly faces and given access to resources they may not have had before. One woman told a volunteer, “I feel seen.” She explained that she lived in her car and came to the event to see how she could get help. She said so many people had asked her name and offered her their agency services. This woman left the event with resources and the knowledge that she is seen and not alone. 

At the end of the event, families left with arms full of groceries. Kids walked out smiling ear to ear after playing for hours in the Kids’ Zone. Others left with fresh haircuts, professional portraits, new resources, and introductions to agencies that can provide long-term help. 

The event in Columbia is a great example of the impact that can happen when people are united with the same goal: to serve their community.