By GEORGE H. NEWMAN
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TAMPA - Volunteers from more than 30 Tampa Bay area churches welcomed thousands of people who converged on the Florida State Fairgrounds Saturday in search of much-needed groceries, encouragement and family fun.
Convoy of Hope participants received free health screenings, haircuts, family photos and job counseling, as well as the chance to enjoy fellowship, entertainment and a bite to eat.
The effort was coordinated by Jeff Arp and Steve Landers, pastors at Brandon Assembly of God, who contacted the Springfield, Mo.-based Convoy of Hope. The nonprofit group plans more than 50 outreach events each year nationwide.
“We knew a lot about their outreach ministry and planned to bring the Convoy of Hope to the Tampa Bay area,” Arp said. “The fairgrounds was the perfect fit.”
