Families preparing for the new school year will be able to pick up free school supplies, clothing, food and other resources during Tabernacle of Joy’s annual Community Day on Saturday in Uniondale.
The event is scheduled for Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Tabernacle of Joy Church, 1070 Brookside Ave., Uniondale. Sunday will serve as a rain date from 3 to 5 p.m. School supplies will be distributed to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, along with clothing, nonperishable food and household items. The event will also offer children’s activities, a bounce house and health resources.
Crystal Mackey, who coordinates the event, said the church has been serving the community through back-to-school giveaways and other outreach efforts since the early 1980s. While the current Community Day format is in its fourth year, the church has continued its outreach efforts throughout the year.
“This is something we do, we’ve been doing this every year, in addition to other community outreach programs that we do throughout the year,” Mackey said. “Community Day has been the big one, of course, because it’s summer and parents do need school supplies.”
Her father, Apostle J. Raymand Mackey, and his wife, co-pastor Brenda Mackey, have led many of those efforts through co-sponsors, Helping End Violence Now, or H.E.V.N., a faith-based coalition that partners with schools, law enforcement and community organizations.
Other organizations that will be present include the Nostrand Garden Civic Association, which is a longtime “big supporter,” Mackey said.
Local residents also support the giveaway by donating supplies. Mackey said community members often arrive on the day of the event with additional donations after seeing volunteers at work.
“Literally, people in the community see that we’re doing it, and they say, ‘Hey, can I drop this off?’” Mackey said. “I kid you not, it happens every year.”
A prayer station will also be available for anyone seeking encouragement or a blessing before the school year begins.
“If anyone has a concern, someone is sick in your family, getting ready for college and want a blessing,” she said. “That is our ministry outreach component because we are faith based – we are willing to pray for people who want to and if you’re in the community you can always worship with us.”
Mackey said attendance has continued to grow as the event has become a familiar community tradition.
“It brings so much joy and happiness,” she said. “I’m so elated just to see smiles on the kids’ faces.”
