It was nearly 7 a.m. and guests were already lining up at Ted Watkins Park in Watts, a southern Los Angeles neighborhood. As the Convoy of Hope and volunteer teams unloaded three tractor-trailers of product, the line just kept growing.
By the time the gates opened at 10 a.m., more than 1,000 Guests of Honor were ready to be a part of the Community Event. From the free haircuts and family portraits to the children’s games and grocery distribution, these events are designed to bring communities together for meaningful and fun-filled experiences for the entire family.
That day in Watts, 333 volunteers distributed an astounding 10,000 bags of groceries; 2,712 pairs of children’s shoes; 5,000 pairs of Bombas socks; and 1,600 Gardens in a Bag. A week after the event, 400 people received prescription glasses. But the amazing generosity of volunteers isn’t all that made the event so incredible — an impressive 49 agencies from the area came together to serve 2,500 community members in services focused on health, communities, veterans, jobs, and careers.
According to Steve Pulis, Convoy of Hope’s Events Director, the day was “all about the value of working together and benefiting the community.” When all was said and done, Convoy of Hope had the privilege of serving 4,300 Guests of Honor as part of the Los Angeles Community Event.
