Culture of Compassion helps numerous needy families
Alex Michaud, 12, of Carthage looks down after scaling the 25-foot climbing wall supplied by the Royal Rangers during Saturday’s Culture of Compassion giveaway in Rumford.

Culture of Compassion helps numerous needy families
Eileen Broderick reads “They All Saw a Cat” to Kaedyn Gray, 6, during Saturday’s Culture of Compassion giveaway in Rumford. The event was sponsored by the River Valley Area Rotary Club. 

Culture of Compassion helps numerous needy families
Saturday’s Culture of Compassion giveaway in Rumford benefits many families in need in the River Valley, including Stacy Abbott and Richard Hatstat of Rumford, and their daughter, Chanel Hatstat.

RUMFORD — Great weather on Saturday led to a terrific turnout for the sixth annual Culture of Compassion giveaway at DARE Field.

More than 60 volunteers with the Praise Assembly of God Church worked at the three-hour event, which offers free school supplies, gently used clothing and groceries for needy families in the River Valley.

Among those families were Richard Hatstat and Stacy Abbott of Rumford and their daughter, Chanel Hatstat.

“This was our first time here,” Richard said. “It was awesome.” 

The family picked up some needed clothes, as well as some school supplies for Chanel.

“She’s had a great time here,” Richard said, looking at his daughter.

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There was plenty to do here, with a health tent for things like dental education and blood pressure checks, a free book giveaway from the River Valley Area Rotary Club, and an educational “get low and go” tent from the Rumford Fire Department to simulate what to do in a house fire.

The kids’ zone again featured the popular bounce house, as well as a dunk tank. Pastors Steve and Janet Raeburn of Big Blast Ministries presented puppetry and balloon animals. The Royal Rangers supplied a 25-foot climbing wall for attendees to scale.

Following the event, church members will begin planning for their annual Thanksgiving basket giveaway.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

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