Organizers for Roswell’s Day of Hope want to add more food to pantries and more volunteers to nonprofits serving the community.
Hope Roswell volunteers and church leaders raised $15,000 for Kroger supermarket gift cards that will be given out to families during the annual event for people in financial need, organizer Brenda Orlans said.
Roswell Day of Hope takes place noon - 4 p.m., Sept. 25 on Roswell City Hall grounds, 38 Hill Street.
The event offers free haircuts, dental and medical services, new shoes and other items in an outdoor setting of children’s games, live music and other activities. But this year, $40 grocery store gift cards will be given to more than 350 families, Orlans said, as well as canned and dried food goods.
“When we went to local nonprofits to ask what the biggest need is, the first response was food,” Orlans said.
Volunteers and leaders from seven local churches of different denominations, cultural and ethnic backgrounds form Hope Roswell to help the underserved community. They started the Roswell Day of Hope event in 2009 and traditionally held it in the month of April. The event — which draws more than 1,000 people — was canceled in 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19 and delayed this year by summer heat and the ongoing pandemic, Orlans said.
More activities including a silent art auction and local coffee shop and food truck vendors are included this year to help attract members of the wider community who might become volunteers at local organizations, she said.
Nonprofits that work in homelessness, human trafficking, mental health, youth and senior services will be on hand with volunteer signup sheets and share information, Orlans said.
“If you have a heart for helping others, you’ll certainly be able to find a place to serve that inspires you,” she added in a statement.
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