KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The weather on Saturday morning didn’t deter thousands of people from going to Swope Park for free clothing, food, healthcare, and more.
It was part of the fourth annual Convoy of Hope, an event which is put on by volunteers from churches all across the metro. They say they are not handing out charity, but handing out hope.
From a free haircut to a free pair of shoes, it’s all available at Swope Park and it’s all to give hope.
The Springfield, Missouri-based charity works with local churches to help those in need. More than a thousand volunteers representing nearly 50 churches showed up to help.
The focus was hope not charity. No one was getting a hand out; they were just getting a helping hand.
“You just don’t find this kindness nowadays so often. It’s enough to make you want to cry,” said Ashley Ryan.
The kindness came with a strong message of Christian love.
At the shoe tent volunteers, like Pastor Brian Carline, will even wash your feet if you are willing, before slipping on a new pair of sneakers.
Shaquita Buford skipped the feet washing, but she’s headed to the healthcare tent for a breast exam.
“There’s a mammogram thing I’m going to check out because breast cancer runs in my family,” she said.
Even with the rain the lines were long, full of people who may have hit hard times but are hopeful that tomorrow will be better.
The event organizers were prepared to give away 35,000 pounds of food. What didn’t get given away will go to food pantries where it can continue giving hope.
