One local Pastor, Christopher Rose of Kingdom Partnership Christian Outreach, decided it would be a good idea to have a back to school drive that would benefit families.
Now, four additional churches decided to bring their resources to the project to make the August 17 event bigger and better.
The event is going to be held at Eastpointe Beulaville Municipal Park located at 508 West Main Street from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
“Community has always been where my heart is in terms of ministry. I have been doing community events on a smaller scale since 2013 when I started pastoring. This is the first event with so much collaboration. It’s also the first one I’ve done since I moved back to NC in 2018,” said Rose.
During this time of year, there are several school supply drives, but Rose wanted to step it up and be able to provide for the whole family. So attendees can look forward to not only picking up free school supplies, but also clothes and shoes sized for all ages — not just for children. Parents and guardians in need will be able to go home with items as well. They currently already have 350 packed book bags but are still accepting donations and nonprofit vendors.
“I believe we need to complete families from a holistic perspective. When I think of community day the thought is bringing everyone together. It’s about showing unity and showing our community that the church is still a beacon of hope. This is about ensuring we support families not just their children but the parents as well. The other part of this is my prayer has always been to bring nonprofits, local government as well as other agencies, together to make this event a success. This year we have been able to accomplish this on a larger scale,” Rose explained.
Rose explains that his church was able to pull this event together with the help of their four partners: Pathway Church and Truelife Church of Beulaville and St. Matthews AME Zion and Graham Chapel Church of Sarecta. There have also been many other organizations that did not help organize the event, but have played a big role in providing donations and resources.
The Struggle Bus Ministry donated clothes, shoes, and care packages. Pathway Church youth group donated 150 book bags. The Blessing Barn donated 150 book bags and school supplies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield donated $1,000 to support the event. Better Beulaville Community Council donated 48 book bags, donated hotdogs, and are also helping out at the event even though they have their own school supply drive that starts later that day.
“I’m very excited about the collaboration of our local community coming together to ensure this happens. I’m looking to extend partnerships because of the event. Like-minded people who want to make a difference in our community, and who don’t mind doing it in a united way. I always say we are better together, and we can accomplish so much more when we do it together. The outpouring of resources and support has been amazing. I just wanted to ensure we get the word out to our local communities. I want families to be able to maximize this opportunity,” Rose explained.
The event is not just about picking up supplies and household items, but their hope is that people will be able to connect with a local resource where they can find support and to also enjoy themselves as well.
Those in attendance can enjoy a bounce house, snow cones, popcorn, free food, a fire truck, free haircuts, face painting, balloon animals, drawings, and games. Adults will also be able to visit local resource tables such as Medicare/Medicaid, social services, addiction representatives, and more. They are also hoping to have Central Food in Wilmington bring a truck to give away groceries.
Anyone interested in donating or being a part of the event should contact Pastor Christopher Rose at pastorcrose23@gmail.com or by calling 910-265-5793.
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