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Packed with peace
Photo
Pop shoots into the air like a geyser during one of the games.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Youngstown
Distributing 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies is the challenge and goal of a partnership of Mahoning Valley churches, community agencies and business.
NOW Youngstown and Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) will sponsor a back-to-school rally Aug. 24 at Wilson Middle School, 2725 Gibson St., featuring a free carnival with games and food and culminating in a backpack giveaway.
Pastor Al Yanno of Metro Assembly of God, 2530 South Ave., said in years past, the backpack giveaway was spearheaded by the Jericho Project, an organization of Christ-centered churches and ministries. Rafael Cruz, pastor of Unity Baptist Church, helped coordinate the project.
“NOW Youngstown has taken the lead, and Pastor Cruz is part of the team,” Pastor Yanno said.
Last year’s effort by the Jericho Project distributed about 1,500 backpacks. “We applauded that effort and are following that lead,” Pastor Yanno said.
Leading up to the rally will be a tent-revival at Wilson with the theme, “Taking Back the City, Reclaiming Our Children.” Christ Centered Church is the sponsor with participation by other churches and community organization.
NOW Youngstown is an interfaith outreach effort to promote peace in the city; it is working under the umbrella of the CIRV with William “Guy” Burney as coordinator. NOW Youngstown takes its directive from a passage in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the time of God’s favor, Now is the day of salvation.” Pastors Yanno and Cruz and Pastor Rolando Rojas of Spanish Evangelical Church are part of NOW Youngstown; all have backgrounds in street ministry.
Pastor Yanno said the backpack giveaway is an example of the partnership among churches, community organizations and businesses working for a common goal. “It’s one statement of all working together,” he said. NOW Youngstown seeks the “cooperation, collaboration and support of community partners” to make the project a success.
Participants have been collecting backpacks and supplies for the upcoming giveaway. Monetary donations to the effort will help in this way — backpacks can be bought in bulk and obtained for a lower price, Pastor Yanno said.
Checks should be made out to Unity Baptist Church with Jericho Project in the memo line. Donations should be sent to Unity Baptist Church, 3536 Sheridan Road, Youngstown, OH 44502.
Wal-Mart in Liberty is donating school supplies and the project also received a Good Neighbor Grant.
Pastor Yanno said NOW Youngstown has sponsored a summer series of outreach events in crime areas of the city. The gatherings include music, testimonies, drama, mime, games and food. Community agencies distribute information on practical help. “We feel these events have been well-received and we’ve had good response,” the pastor said. A few hundred people have turned out for each of the community outreach events, he added.
“People have told us they’re grateful we’re there ... showing a commitment to the city and peace,” Pastor Yanno said. “We’ve felt good, knowing we are needed.”
He said representatives of Ohio Valley Teen Challenge and Pregnancy Help Center have attended and offered practical help to those in distress.