Thursday, October 1, 2026
On a sun-splashed Saturday afternoon, curious residents milled about the tents and booths sprung up on the Hendrickson Park pool parking lot, taking in the moving scenery. Some kids could be seen shooting hoops at the ball court as others lined up for a go at the bouncy houses. Senior citizens strolled about the various community resource tables, asking questions. Families sat under the shade of a large concert tent, munching on their free hot dogs while listening to modern gospel music soar as young volunteers danced to the rhythm.
It was a scene of joy and hope as Bethlehem Assembly of God in Valley Stream held its annual Hope Day summer event. The event is a day to uplift community members, especially those in need, according to Valley Stream Spanish campus pastor, Carlos Beltre.
“Our mission as a church is to love, grow, and serve and to see communities being transformed not just through the gospel but through humanitarian efforts,” said Beltre. And this event is “a huge humanitarian aid event where we invite the community for a day of celebration. It’s just a day to love and serve the community.”
The event was twice held under a restricted format as a free food drive-thru for families due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Beltre and his fellow volunteers are pleased to see the event return as a full festival.
Hope Day held its inaugural year in 2012 after a Valley Stream pastor named Steven Milazzo, of Bethlehem Assembly of God, joined with the non-profit Convoy of Hope for a festive, charitable event to feed those in need in Nassau County. Since then, it spread to other locations across the tri-state area.
