Despite heavy rains more than 8,000 people attended a Convoy of Hope outreach in partnership with Toys for Joy and 20 area churches in San Diego, California.
“The rain came at the worst time possible and likely kept hundreds of people away,” says Hugh Duncan, Convoy of Hope’s connections director. “But there is great need in the area and people are hurting.”
It is estimated that nearly 17 percent of San Diego County’s children live in poverty. Many of these children live in the southeastern part of the city where the outreach was held.
In addition to the churches, the outreach brought together 19 community service agencies including The Rock Church, which continued a yearly community outreach—called Toys for Joy—where thousands of children receive a free toy.
“For some of the children the toy they received was probably the only toy they will receive this Christmas,” says Duncan.
More than 2,000 volunteers participated in the dissemination of groceries, clothing, food, health exams, haircuts and family portraits—all of which were provided free of charge.
According to Duncan—who spent the day encouraging guests—the bags of groceries, health services and toys seemed to ease many people’s minds—if only for the day.
“People were encouraged, uplifted and given hope today,” he says. “For many, the day will help them move forward.”
