After a successful first year, area churches and community service organizations are coming together again for the second annual Hope For Our City community event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend.
Jon Hembree, pastor of Community Christian Church in Great Bend, is heading up the organization of this year’s event.
While bringing back many of the same services and organizations as last year’s event, Hembree said they also hope to expand by adding new offerings this year.
As was the case last year, international relief organization Convoy of Hope will be on hand with a semi-trailer of groceries for those in need of food.
Other items and services available to the community at the event, free of charge, included water, backpacks filled with school supplies for kids, free haircuts, free family portraits, water, Bibles and more.
In addition to the community service organizations, Hembree estimates 20-25 area churches are taking part in this year’s event. “That’s one of the neatest things about this is just being able to see (churches come together). Nobody’s here to put their church name out. We’re here to just say, ‘hey, we want to be a blessing; we’re here if you need us.’”
As with last year, Hembree stresses that there are no guidelines or qualifications for giveaways or services. The goal, he said, is for individuals and organizations to be a blessing to the community.
The Barton County Health Department will be on hand offering basic medical checks and other services. The Great Bend Police Department will provide fingerprinting for child safety. The Great Bend Public Library is also expected attend the event.
Other community service organizations attending the event will include Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, Central Kansas Dream Center, Moment of Grace Pregnancy Clinic, and a mental health first aid group.
In addition to the community services, the event will also include a Kid Zone with games, face painting and stick-on tattoos, and bounce houses.
“It’s just a free event for the whole family to enjoy. To be able to go have fun for a couple hours for free is a pretty cool thing,” Hembree said.
For more information on the event, visit the “Hope For Our City - Great Bend, Kansas” event page on Facebook. The page has information on services that will be available, and information for those who want to get involved through volunteering or donations. The page includes an online registration for those who wish to help - just indicate areas of interest, and organizers will find a place for you to serve.
Material and monetary donations for the event are being coordinated through Faith Community Church and should be earmarked for “Hope For Our City.” Any donations not used for this year’s event will be split between Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and the Central Kansas Dream Center, or set aside for next year’s event.
“Nobody needs to worry about their dollar going unused if they’re interested in helping,” Hembree said.
Parking will be at the baseball fields west of Veterans Park. Shuttles will be provided to and from the event.
