Community Fun Day & Back to School Drive 2022
On Saturday, August 27, 2022 families from all over Maryland and the D.C. metropolitan area gathered at the Garden of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ for a day of fun, education, and giving back. Approximately 327 families registered for the event, while 174 families attended the Community Day & Back to School Event on-site. Thanks to our community partners The National Center for Children and Families, Staples, Giant, The University of Maryland- CRMC, and Patient First, along with the support of members from our local congregation, we were able to give back to our community in a big way.
More than 100 youth between the ages of 5-17 received book bags filled with school supplies along with additional supplies as needed.
174 families and individuals received organic and non-gmo food items and snacks.
All attendees were able to receive health education, resources, and speak to registered health professionals on-site.
Families and individuals were able to register for diabetes prevention and mental health aid classes.
While a large aspect of our community day event was focused on serving the community by providing resources, we also wanted to create a safe space for community and play. We had an onsite air conditioned game truck, yard games, an arts & crafts corner, and all attendees received unlimited snow cones, cotton candy, and pop corn. Those who were willing to put their vocal abilities to the test got to participate in karaoke. We also provided giveaways like grocery gift cards for individuals and families living in food deserts throughout MD and DC.
Overall, we are thrilled that we were able to connect with our community and provide resources to residents living in Mount Rainier, Hyattsville, College Park, District Heights, Glenarden, Bowie, Lanham, Brentwood, Riverdale, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Upper Marlboro, Suitland, Oxon Hill, Waldorf, Bladensburg, Laurel, Beltsville, Edgewater, Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, New Carrolton, Greenbelt, Forestville, and Washington, DC.
Why this event MATTERED.
“Approximately 44 percent of Prince George’s County residents live in communities defined as food deserts; 55 percent of the food outlets in these communities are unhealthy options, such as fast food” (Kavi et al., 2019). In addition, many of the surrounding cities within a 5 mile radius of our ministry have populations living below the poverty line. Some of the cities include:
College Park 25.2% below poverty line (within 5 miles), Landover 18.3% below poverty line (within 5 miles), Adelphi 16.7% below poverty line (within 5 miles), Chillum 12.9% below poverty line (within 3 miles) Bladenbrug 10.7% below poverty line (within 2 miles), Hyattsville 10.3% below poverty line (within 2 miles), Brentwood 10.1% below poverty line (less than 1 mile), Mount Rainier 7.6% below poverty line (local community).
In addition, according to the Prince George’s County Health Department, heart disease is the leading cause of death in P.G. County. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer account for 60% of deaths county-wide.
These statistics are disheartening and an indicator that there is a need for quality access to food, health education, and resources for those in our communities who may not otherwise be able to gain access to these basic necessities.