Allegheny West: Hope4Philly

Rev. Hamilton and Sen. Vincent Hughes hug at the Hope4Philly welcoming ceremony in Chalmers Park.

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Convoy for Hope brought hope and so much more to the Allegheny West section of North Philadelphia this past Saturday.The faith based organization with a mission to “feed millions of people in need in the United States and around the world through children’s nutrition initiatives, city wide outreaches and disaster response,” has given more than $239 million worth of food and supplies to those in need. In Philadelphia it was no different, a Convoy for Hope truck sat outside of the event after it 120,000 pounds of free groceries were unloaded.

The Convoy of Hope truck carried 120,000 pounds of groceries.
The Convoy of Hope truck carried 120,000 pounds of groceries.

Convoy for Hope teamed up with the local Hope4Philly and 2,500 volunteers to be able to serve more than 15,000 people at eight sites throughout the city. Locations ranged from Frankford to Germantown.

The sites were hosted by local churches of all denominations, the Allegheny West site, held at Chalmers Park, was sponsored by First Church Worship Center, which is located in Strawberry Mansion. The church is ran by Rev. William C. Hamilton who volunteered with Convoy for Hope with his wife, sister Carolyn and his children. “I feel good just to see people come out and get some of the resources we have for them,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton and Sen. Vincent Hughes hug at the Hope4Philly welcoming ceremony in Chalmers Park.

 

The resources were beneficial to both adults and children. The children were able to have a day of fun. Their activities were endless and included moon bounces, face paintings and balloon animals. Adults enjoyed gospel music, socialization and prayer.

Everyone was able to get a new image, if they chose. Barbers and hair stylists provided free haircuts and styling. Donated clothing and shoes were up for grabs, and the clothing tent was continuously crowded. Sister Carolyn said the event was “wonderful” and that it was nice to have “a day where people can come and enjoy. They’re not afraid. The people are so happy to have a place where there is no gun fire.” Finger printing was available to make sure that children are safe everyday.

A young child gets finger printed, with help from their mother, as a safety precaution.

 

Not found at most fairs, was family portraits. Every family, whatever the definition may be, was able to receive a free family portrait for attending Hope4Philly. Both Convoy for Hope and Hope4Philly want children and adults realize how important family is, and are confident that a portrait will be a great reminder.

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