Church lends a hand with school start

One local church is reaching out to those in need by offering free school supplies. Central Assembly of God is hosting a Back to School Giveaway noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Benny Peterson Park, 1107 Hughitt Ave.

The event caps a summer of community ministry by the congregation.

“My desire is to go out and meet people where they are and show God’s love,” said Jeremy Landgreen, a member of Central Assembly. “It’s very important to do it in the community, meet people where they are.”

This spring, the church brought music, pizza, face painting and games to the Superior skate park. In July, they appeared at Hammond Park for a day, offering kids a chance to jump in a bouncy house, paint their nails and get wash-off tattoos. Everyone was invited to enjoy hot dogs, soda, chips and more as they listened to Christian bands and singers.

The Benny Peterson Park event will include food, music and games. There will be drawings for backpacks full of school supplies between musical performances. At the end of the day, an iPod touch will also be given away. The outreach is all about helping others, according to Landgreen.

“We see needs in the community; we meet needs in the community,” he said.

Anyone interested in donating school supplies for the giveaway can drop them off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the church, 3000 Hammond Ave.

Tags: news, school, students, superior