Community Fun Day and Back to School 2023

On Saturday, August 26, 2023 families showed-up from all over DC, MD, and VA to take part in a day of fun, education, and giving back at Garden of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ in Mount Rainier, MD. More than 222 students received book bags with school supplies and socks for the school year from local communities, while others are in transit through missions to school-aged children in Jamaica, and to local students at Northwestern High school. 

More than 250 families pre-registered for the event with 50 individuals pre-registering for CPR training with American Heart Association (AHA) certified CPR Educator and Trainer, Pamela Graham.

Thanks to our community partners The National Center for Children and Families, American Red Cross, FedEx Cares, The Crayola Experience, Wegmans, Parlae Cuts Luxury Mobile Barber Shop, Target, Colors by Tangie Hair Salon, Chickfila, Costco, Zen in A Jar, WGTS 91.9FM, Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Rainier Police Department, Oriental Trading Company, 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 200 youth between the ages of 5-17 received book bags filled with school supplies along with additional supplies as needed.

  • Youth in grades K-12 received free hair cuts for school courtesy of Parole Cuts Luxury Mobile Barbershop and certificates for free wash and blow dry from Colors by Tangie hair salon.

  • 30 families received organic and non-gmo groceries filled with staple food supplies .

  • All attendees were able to receive health education resources, CPR training, free blood pressure screenings, and had the opportunity to speak to registered health professionals on-site. 

  • Families were able to register for free fire alarm installation and receive disaster preparedness information courtesy of  Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region

  • Parents were able to receive hooded towels for their infants, bombas socks, and more school supplies courtesy of the National Center for Children and Families

  • Families learned about home-buying programs and real estate thanks to Michelle Dickens of Exp Realty.

We were thrilled to focus on serving the community by providing resources. It was also our desire to  create a safe space for community and play. We had an onsite air conditioned game truck, yard games, an arts & crafts corner for children, and all attendees received gift bags stuffed with essential health care and education items. Those who were willing to put their vocal abilities to the test got to participate in karaoke. 

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, Takoma Park, Wheaton, Brandywine, District Heights, Glenarden, Bowie, Lanham, Brentwood, Fort Washington, Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Temple Hills, Riverdale, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Upper Marlboro, Suitland, Oxon Hill, Waldorf, Bladensburg, Laurel, Beltsville, Montclair, Adelphi,  Baltimore, Severn, and Washington, DC.

GOG Church