Convoy of Hope aims to help thousands on Aug. 13 in Kennewick

Dozens of local churches, businesses and social service organizations banded together last year to help community members in need through a massive one-day Convoy of Hope event.

This year, it’s happening again.

The 2016 Convoy of Hope is set for Aug. 13 at Columbia Park in Kennewick.

More than 7,000 people are expected to show up for free groceries, shoes, haircuts, health and job services, family portraits and more.

The event starts at 10 a.m. by the band shell. It’s free and open to all, with no identification required.

More than 40 public service agencies and churches will be on hand distributing goods and providing services.

Windermere Group One joined with Peak Mortgage to provide thousands of school backpacks to be given away.

“Participating in Convoy of Hope is exciting. We are able to empower our community in this small way and that will always have a ripple effect. The recipients are grateful and in turn they are perhaps able to empower others,” said Jeff Thompson, Windermere Group One broker/owner, in a statement.

A bounce house and other activities for children also are planned, and free shuttles will run from Ben Franklin Transit’s Dayton, 22nd Avenue and Knight Street transit centers.

Last year marked the Tri-Cities’ first Convoy of Hope. It was put together with help from the Missouri-based Convoy of Hope humanitarian organization, which provides everything from disaster services, to nutrition and clean water programs, to large Convoy of Hope events like the one in Kennewick.

About 6,500 people were helped at last year’s local event, with 2,500 backpacks handed out, 8,000 meals served and 35,000 pounds of groceries distributed.

This year, $1 million in goods and services are expected to be given away, a news release said.

The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center in Kennewick, which helps sexual violence, abuse and crime victims, took part last year and will be on hand Aug. 13.

“I think it’s great for different providers to get together and be in one place,” said JoDee Garretson, SARC executive director.

She noted that people often must make several stops around town when seeking social service help, and Convoy removes that extra barrier.

A volunteer rally is planned at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at Faith Assembly, 1800 N. Road 72, Pasco. It’s open to all who want to help.

For more information on Convoy of Hope in Kennewick, go to convoy.org/tricities.

This story was originally published August 6, 2016 at 7:51 PM with the headline "Convoy of Hope aims to help thousands on Aug. 13 in Kennewick."