Hundreds of bags of food were piled high and each family in need got a bag full at the Ferguson ‘Day of Hope event Saturday, July 25 at Ferguson’s Forestwood Park.

Park Event Brings Community Together

For Food, Resources and Some Fun

Story and photos by Erica Van Buren

North County families were offered a day to be stress-free and the opportunity for hope, as well as some fun, in Ferguson’s Forestwood Park at the “Day of Hope” event held July 25.

Convoy of Hope, an international non-profit organization based in Springfield, Mo. dedicated to providing community outreach all over the world, teamed up with community leaders to offer this event. “Day of Hope” was a way to do some positive things in the community. Among the resources offered were bags of groceries, banking and credit information, health screenings (heart, dental and mammograms), and job placement assistance.

There was also a tent with local church members offering prayer. An area dedicated to kids referred to as the “The Kids Zone” provided carnival games, inflatable slides, and live entertainment. Digital family portraits were taken to commemorate the event. There was even a tent that handed out women’s shoes There was even a tent that handed out women’s shoes. Women were greeted by four-year-old volunteer Samira Perkins, and her mother, Shaquilla, who helped hand out shoes.. Women were greeted by four-year-old volunteer Samira Perkins, and her mother, Shaquilla, who helped hand out shoes.

Friendly, smiling volunteers welcomed and assisted people from all over the metro area in need of basic necessities. Molly Erickson, director of communications with Convoy of Hope, said 3,200 people attended the event, and 800 volunteers ensured that the event went smoothly. Convoy of Hope provided 35,000 pounds of non-perishable grocery items. The organization held a similar event in 2012, so they are not strangers to the St. Louis community. “St. Louis was my first event, same sense of hope,” said Erickson. Feeding children and women empowerment are some of the other initiatives that are part of their community outreach.

“Ferguson isn’t what the world thinks it is,” says Erickson, quoting a pastor who spoke regarding Saturday’s event. The anniversary of the shooting death of Michael Brown is approaching and leaders feel it’s important that the community remembers to not only stick together during the bad times, but during positive times, as well. “We hope to ban the community together side by side to work together, because if the community isn’t working together, nothing will be accomplished,” said Erickson.

It is hoped that community participants who enjoyed the event will come out to support future events and spread the word to family and friends. “I liked that they had activities for the kids and that they offered resources for the community,” said Chelsey Chatmon, one of the many who came out to take advantage of the festivities.

Although the sun hid behind the clouds, the air was humid and the dragon flies were in abundance, the sight of children of all sizes running around and parents being able to relax a bit, it was an event that served its purpose.

   VOLUNTEERS: Four-year-old volunteer Samira Perkins, and her mother,

Shaquilla, helped hand out pink TOM shoes for the ladies at the event.

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