Response Updates

For Some, Community Events Are the ‘Best Day Ever’

USA Reported by Convoy of Hope
best day ever

One girl called it “the best day ever” as she received new shoes for the first time at a Convoy of Hope Community Event. At two recent events, families received much-needed groceries, some of whose kitchen cabinets were empty the day before.

Partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community agencies help Convoy meet needs through Community Events. These entities know the heart of the community better than anyone. Over the past two weeks, Convoy coordinated events that reached thousands of people in Albany, Oregon, and Gastonia, North Carolina — proving that hope makes a way.

“The Best Day Ever”

In Albany, more than 2,100 guests had access to haircuts, meals, health services, groceries, family portraits, and career and veterans assistance. Guests of Honor were met by more than 500 volunteers and various partner agencies, including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and an area with resources from Plum Organics.

Mark, a local pastor of Hope Church, said this event helped his church see the needs of the community in a deeper way.

Bringing Leaders Together

This last weekend, 12 churches came together to serve nearly 800 Guests of Honor in Gastonia, North Carolina. Attendees received community and career services, meals, groceries, health services, food, and educational resources. Representatives from the National Breast Cancer Foundation also played a part in handing out these resources.

Around 540 volunteers lined up to pack thousands of bags of groceries and handed out hundreds of kids shoes. Guests also had access to Gardens in a Bag — provided by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — which will make growing fresh vegetation more accessible.

Convoy’s Jason Bachman said Community Events bring hope and compassion to cities like Gastonia, which has faced an increase in crime this summer. Jason said these events also allow local city leaders to connect and create sustainable change. Multiple city leaders told him this renewed their encouragement.

“Community Events are a great excuse for people to meet each other,” said Jason. “If they show support to their city by working together, then anything is possible.”

Social

Convoy of Hope is en route to the areas hit by tornadoes across the U.S. last night. 🚚📦 Along with tarps and totes, cleanup kits, sports drinks, water, trash bags, and trash cans are en route. Give at 👉 http://h.ope.is/3PmOyhj #ArkansasTornado #IndianaTornado #OhioTornado

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