Volunteers from more than 30 Tampa Bay area churches welcomed thousands of people who converged on the Florida State Fairgrounds Saturday in search of much-needed groceries, encouragement and family fun.
Convoy of Hope participants received free health screenings, haircuts, family photos and job counseling, as well as the chance to enjoy fellowship, entertainment and a bite to eat.
The effort was coordinated by Jeff Arp and Steve Landers, pastors at Brandon Assembly of God, who contacted the Springfield, Mo.-based Convoy of Hope. The nonprofit group plans more than 50 outreach events each year nationwide.
"We knew a lot about their outreach ministry and planned to bring the Convoy of Hope to the Tampa Bay area," Arp said. "The fairgrounds was the perfect fit."
About 700 volunteers from across Hillsborough County worked the event, distributing 5,000 bags of groceries.
Aliya Watkins brought five of her eight children. The Tampa family attends Firm Foundation Christian Fellowship in Riverview.
"We heard about the event through our church," Watkins said. "We came to enjoy a family outing and Christian fellowship. The atmosphere here is very relaxed and friendly."
Rick and Beckie Moore, who brought their two children and babysitter to the gathering, said they would like to volunteer during the area's next Convoy of Hope.
"Our 2-year-old daughter has special needs," Rick Moore said. "We brought her here for the health screening opportunities and to have a good time in a family atmosphere. I'm impressed with the Convoy. They don't have their hand out. They are offering help to those who need it without asking for anything in return."
Arp said the event was a success.
"The volunteers saw that our guests were treated like family," he said. "Hopefully, they found peace in God's grace. That is our mission."
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