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Here's the Convoy report:
Springfield Gets a Shot of Hope
When the gates to the Convoy of Hope outreach opened at 10 a.m. eager guests pushed forward and stepped onto the grounds at Reed Middle School in Springfield, Mo. Among the more than 1,000 guests were Wendi, a twenty-something housecleaner, and her one-year-old daughter Emilie.
“I run out of food every once in a while,” Wendi admitted. “So this [the outreach] came at a good time.”
Indeed it did.
The outreach was one of five Convoy of Hope was holding on October 24th in Springfield where the humanitarian relief organization is based.
“Each year we try to do something special for our community because the community is so supportive of us,” says Jeff Nene, senior director - technology and communications. “This year we decided to hold outreaches throughout the city on Springfield’s Make a Difference Day.”
It is estimated that 46 percent of students in Springfield public schools live in food insecure homes - homes like Wendi’s.
During the Springfield outreaches 5,063 guests attended. More than 400 people received haircuts. One thousand families received portraits. And more than 1,300 volunteers worked.
“We scratch up what we can and squeak by and make it happen,” says Wendi. “With the economy the way it is, we have lost a couple accounts. That cuts into the little amount of money I make.”
And that is precisely why Convoy of Hope holds up to 50 citywide outreaches each year throughout the United States. Since it was founded 15 years ago Convoy of Hope has served more than 30 million people.
“Our outreaches give people a hand up and let them know someone cares,” says Nene. “Many times that is all it takes to help a family through a tough time.”
At Reed Middle School, children bounce around in the bounce houses. Families gather around plastic tables and have lunch. Many guests are also quick to take advantage of the free community and health services that included massages, haircuts and hygiene products.
“This feels good to know that there is someone out there who wants to help you,” says Kim, a single mother, as she waits in a line for free groceries. “These groceries will help out a lot.”
In the Kid’s Zone Emilie, Wendi’s daughter, bounds with arms wide toward volunteers who are passing out balloons. She gladly takes the balloon, smiles then trots across the way to another volunteer who happily hands her mother a newly made blanket. Thirty minutes later the family is posing for a picture in the portrait tent where professional photographers are snapping pictures.
“This is really great,” says Wendi as a huge smile spreads across her face.
After checking out the community tent where various organizations are offering free services, Wendi and Emilie head back to the Kid’s Zone for another round of fun.
Near the exit volunteers load honored guests with bags of groceries that promise to give each person just a little boost and a measure of hope.
And that seems to be just enough for families like Wendi’s.
