Sunday, August 22, 2010
Annual giveaway for schoolchildren set for Saturday
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
Somehow, some way, the backpack giveaway sponsored by the Jericho Project and the City Prayer Team of Youngstown has worked out like the biblical story of the loaves and fishes.
For as many students who came for backpacks filled with school supplies, one was provided. Last year, that was about 1,100 backpacks. Some might call it luck. Those involved believe it is by the grace of God.
Rafael Cruz of the Jericho Project, pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Boardman, and Linda Daniels of the City Prayer Team said they anticipate an even greater need this year because of the economy.
Last year, some 2,500 families attended the event at Wick Park, where it has taken place for six years. The venue for this year’s Saturday giveaway was moved to Federal Plaza East. Pastor Cruz said one reason was availability of parking.
Daniels said the Jericho Project and the prayer team have partnered for the last six years in the effort.
The Jericho Project is an organization of Christ- centered churches and ministries. Pastor Cruz said it grew out of the March for Jesus in the mid-1990s that produced a street ministry, which reached out to Westlake Terrace Homes.
“We think of it as the church of Youngstown,” Pastor Cruz said. “It is about sharing God’s love and different congregations reaching out to the community.”
A singles ministry in Brier Hill had an outreach event and distributed backpacks, the pastor said. The Jericho Project adopted the idea.
The City Prayer Team lives up to its name by sponsoring prayer walking and prayer-focused events. At the giveaway, team members will pray for the success and safety of participants.
Daniels, a third-grade teacher, said prayer may benefit the soul and spirit, but struggling families also need practical help.
“We’ve had people show up as early as 6 a.m. for the giveaway,” she said. “We’re stepping up to help those in need.”
Because she is a teacher, she said she sees the need firsthand. She knows the giveaway helps and is used because she has recognized backpacks carried by her students.
“More organizations are giving away supplies because people are struggling,” Daniels said, noting each is well-attended.
Pastor Cruz said the giveaway offers smaller backpacks for younger students and the drawstring variety for seventh- through 12th-graders.
Pastor Cruz said the backpack giveaway follows the message in 2 Corinthians: 1 about comforting others and loving one’s neighbors.
“Love is an action, not a word. This project is love in action,” Pastor Cruz said.
Daniels echoed that thought. “We want to share God’s love.”
Pastor Cruz and Daniels said volunteers glean joy “out of serving others and seeing joy in others.”