There's hope

By JOHN HOWELL

Posted 9/3/20

Neither a pandemic nor sporadic light rain could dampen the effort of five churches to bring hope to those who need it. On Saturday, the side lot of the Oakland Beach branch of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs was transformed into a drive-thru

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There's hope

Undaunted by a few drops: Spirits were high Saturday although there was some intermittent rain as more than 90 volunteers from five churches handed out food and household goods to more than 300 people at the Hope Day held at the Oakland Beach branch of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs. Here Pastor Matthew McIntosh of Warwick Hope Assembly of God grabs a group photo following a prayer opening the event.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

COOKING UP LUNCH: Dan Gagnon of the Norwood Baptist Church manned the grill at Saturday’s Hope Day.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

ON FOOT AND BY CAR: Volunteers handed out bags of food and household goods to those who arrived by foot or in cars at the Hope Day event.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

READY TO SERVE: Cheryl Russell and Dennis Gaynor were ready and waiting as Hope Day got under way Saturday at the Oakland Beach branch of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

NO MISTAKING THE PLACE: A banner affixed on a van greet those who lined up for the drive-thru Hope Day event where five churches provided food to more than 300 people.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

Posted Thursday, September 3, 2020 10:05 am

By JOHN HOWELL

Neither a pandemic nor sporadic light rain could dampen the effort of five churches to bring hope to those who need it.

On Saturday, the side lot of the Oakland Beach branch of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs was transformed into a drive-thru distribution of food, backpacks, books and a lot of friendly, welcoming spirit.

“We’re here for anyone who needs a bit of uplifting,” said Dennis Gaynor, one of 92 volunteers and a member of the Warwick Hope Assembly of God on Sandy Lane. The Warwick church took the lead in the Hope Day that included the participation of the Norwood Baptist Church, Faith Baptist, North Kingstown Assembly of God and Cranston Christian Fellowship. Last year Hope Day was held at the playing field in Oakland Beach and included live music, a number of events in addition to counseling, haircuts and free food and shoes. More than 800 people attended.

The pandemic stymied plans of replicating the event. Warwick Hope Pastor Matthew McIntosh explained the date was pushed from early June to late August. The Oakland Beach commons was ruled out as a location because of traffic and the effort to hone in on those needing help close by. Information on Hope Day was published in the Beacon and spread by the members of participating churches and through social media.

While the event didn’t start until 11, by 10:30 cars and walk-ins were lined up. The first stop in the loop through the lot was to register for raffle prizes, followed by a tent where volunteers loaded two bags of food and household essentials into the trunks of the cars. It didn’t end there. There was a free lunch and backpacks for the kids filled with back-to-school supplies. Pastor Matt said Tuesday more than 300 people turned out and 140 provided contract information that will be used for a Hope Day follow up. Dubbed “connections,” the church will hold a dinner on its grounds Sept. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The Providence Rescue Mission is catering the meal.

Pastor Matt welcomed all those wanting to attend. They can email admin@warwickhope.com or call the church at 732-0634 to make reservations and learn more.