There were a lot of smiles on children Saturday, and sighs of relief for parents and others struggling financially.
It was the third annual Culture of Compassion giveaway, put on by 50 volunteers with the Praise Assembly of God Church at the DARE Field across from Aubuchon Hardware.
Pastor Justin Thacker noted that it takes a lot of effort to put forth such a large community event, but was pleased with the results.
“We met several new families to the River Valley and were able to set a good first impression as a community with them. It was wonderful to see children enjoying the kids zone, parents being helped with back to school supplies and clothing, adults taking advantage of the medical services offered, quite a bit of interest at the pet care zone, 40 children enjoyed a pony ride, a free lunch, and many smiling faces as folks left with groceries,” he noted.
This year, they assisted 580 people and approximately 193 families.

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