Alex Michaud, 12, of Carthage, scales the 25-foot climbing wall at the Culture of Compassion giveaway in Rumford in 2017. The climbing wall will return for Saturday’s event. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)

RUMFORD — The seventh annual Culture of Compassion giveaway will take place Saturday at the DARE Field across from Aubuchon Hardware on Falmouth Street.

The event offers free school supplies, gently used clothing and groceries to needy families in the River Valley. More than 75 volunteers with Praise Assembly of God Church will be there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in turquoise shirts emblazoned with “Servant.”

Pastor Justin Thacker said at least eight churches have worked together to host the giveaway.

“With a little help from family, friends, community and God Himself, one’s life can get better and the River Valley can be a great place to live and raise a family,” he said.

Coordinator Brandie Ledesma said Rumford Hospital and Main Street Dental Hygiene will attend, and River Valley Healthy Communities will have information on preventing drug and alcohol abuse.

New organizations participating are Rumford Community Home and Hope Association.

Mountain View Eyecare will be do vision screening and color vision screening.

“Seems like we’re trying to get the whole person taken care of this year,” Ledesma said.

There will be a bounce house, a 25-foot climbing wall, a medical tent, including dental care, Maine Foster Care, a prayer tent and Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered, 12-step program. 

Guests will be offered a free hot dog lunch.

Rise and Run band will play two 45-minute sets.

To donate clothing, food, school supplies, or money, go to the church at 89 Congress St., Rumford.

Donations can also be sent to Praise Assembly of God Church, P.O Box 269, Rumford, ME 04276.

The church office, which can be reached at 207- 364-3856, is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.