A local church is turning its annual picnic into a back-to-school community outreach with free food, free haircuts and free student supplies.
Calvary Community Church leaders will host the event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 21 across from the church at 1031 Chestnut St., coordinator Deborah Booker said.
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. classes begin Aug. 8.
The African American Pastors Alliance and the Bartholomew County Area Chapter of the NAACP have provided some financial support to team with the church’s expense of about $2,500, Booker said.
The gathering will feature bounce houses for youngsters, recorded music and backpacks and other supplies for about 200 students in grades elementary through high school, organizers said.
“Bishop (Charles) Sims (of Calvary) mentioned that we needed to do something for the community,” Booker said. “It’s just meant to be a fun thing for everybody. And if it’s successful, we’d be willing to consider doing it again.”
Booker added that she is uncertain of how many people to expect.
Peter Soler and another barber from Noble’s barbershop on Washington Street in Columbus will be offering free haircuts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for school-age children inside the church. Soler, a Calvary member, said he’s happy to help others.
“It’s always good to be able to give back,” Soler said, who is taking the day off from the shop to help families. “God has been good to me and blessed me, so I am just returning the favor.”
In case of rain, most of the event can be moved inside the church, including the backpack giveaway, Booker said.
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What: Calvary Community Church back-to-school picnic.
When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 21. Free haircuts for school-age children will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Calvary Community Church property, 1031 Chestnut St.
Admission: Free with food and more.
Information: 812-372-3077.
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