MOORHEAD - The Red River Valley Convoy of Hope aimed to help 3,000 to 5,000 people in the area who need different services by providing a day without poverty.
A couple hundred people were standing in line for the event at 9 a.m., an hour before it was scheduled to start. Several hundred more arrived steadily to the 1600 block of 30th Avenue South throughout the morning and afternoon.
Attendees received free bags of groceries, health services, haircuts, family portraits, lunch, shoes, inflatable games and more.
This was one of the first stops of the year for Convoy of Hope's 50-state tour.
"In these hard economic times, a lot of people are struggling," said Gregg Thee, event coordinator. "This is to show there's someone who cares. It's a good way to touch lives."
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About 700 volunteers were stationed down 30th Avenue and throughout the large outdoor space to help the event run smoothly.
Everything from free mammograms from a nurse practitioner to family portraits, haircuts, shoes and 40,000 pounds of groceries were available to attendees. There was also a kid zone with prize giveaways every hour, inflatable games and entertainment.
Marketing coordinator Tim Unsinn said planning for the event began back in January.
"This is incredible," he said about the event and the beautiful weather.
He said his favorite part of events like this is "being able to help people where they're at."
People of all ages and backgrounds roamed the different tents available at the event to enjoy the day.
Emann Yassin, who came to America from Baghdad earlier this year, said the event was almost like taking a vacation. She was there with family members Shinelle Prudhomme and kids Orion Prudhomme and Zaid and Mohammed Alssaraj.
"We saw the kids wake up excited at 6 a.m., and that doesn't happen very often, especially in summer," Yassin said with a laugh.
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Shinelle Prudhomme said the event was organized easily, which was nice on their family.
"There needs to be more events like this in Moorhead," she said.
The three children all agreed it was a fun event to receive free food, play some games and be outside.
"It's fun but really hot," Mohammed Alssaraj said.
Despite the warm weather, the family enjoyed spending time together and getting a family portrait taken.
Thee said about 1,500 people attended the event and 730 people volunteered.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jessica Ballou at (701) 237-7311
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