Project Hope 2020

School Work Day + Back-to-School Giveaway

AUGUST 29TH & 30TH, 2020

Project Hope 2020 was one for the books!

Together as 50 churches and 30 businesses/organization, we made available 3,000 new shoes, socks, and backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, along with “hope among chaos” as the KEZI article put it.

Project Hope looked different this year due to the pandemic, but the COVID-19 safety measures actually worked to our advantage! The 6 giveaways were set-up for peace and safety, giving our guest a peaceful “back-to-school” memory, as if the pressures of the pandemic were suspended for a moment.

Tickets were given in half hour time slots, so families didn’t wait in line and there was ample time for quality interactions. Volunteers from a variety of churches connected and LOVED each other. Pastors reconnected with other pastors, and families got personal attention from volunteers.

Truly it was “a hopeful start to a new, unconventional school year” (KVAL report).

This is the resiliency of the Jesus’ Church in Lane County – and it’s for God’s glory and our community’s peace.

Thank you to the countless friends and partners that made year 10 a big WIN!

QUOTES

What school leaders and staff had to say…

“I haven’t seen these kids since March, and being here – seeing them - makes me cry.”
- 4J Elementary School Secretary who volunteered

“Thank you everyone for creating such a safe and uplifting event during the  worst of times. This is truly a bright light. Everyone's ability to flex and come up with creative ways to serve our families was remarkable. I am so glad I stopped by--it refills my bucket during a frenzied time!!    
- District Assistant Superintendent

What families had to say…

“It’s a great overwhelming experience to receive all this wonderful giving. The financial crisis hit a toll on us and this is a great event for the kids.”
- Parent

“I’m raising my three grandsons, so this is really a big help for us.”
- Grandparent

STORIES

Bingo Scavenger Hunt

There were no inflatables, large group games or face painting, but a Bingo Scavenger Hunt captivated kids. As kids moved through the giveaway, they were on the hunt for hidden items, like stuffed monkeys and umbrellas, and volunteers wearing chef’s hats and pink wigs. Volunteers helped kids find the most hidden items, and some kids could barely be interrupted from their hunt to pick out their backpack! What an example of Covid creativity!

Friends Experiencing Homelessness Draw Chalk Encouragment

There’s a place for everyone to give back to our community! A week before Project Hope, a pastor’s neighborhood friends who are currently experiencing homeless heard about the event and wanted to help. The pastor invited them to help draw the chalk lines to create a physically distanced line the day before Project Hope. Quickly the sidewalk was filled with encouragement! They wrote things like, “Don’t give up, it never works,” “new shoes rock,” “learning is powerful,” and “you’re valuable.”