The East Chicago-based Working Outside the Walls (W.O.W.) Foundation held its annual back to school rally for school recently.
Pastor Kelly Williams of Greater Destiny Bible Church in East Chicago had a vision nine years ago during the annual church picnic. An eye-opening incident prompted him to develop the Working Outside the Walls (W.O.W.) Foundation.
“In addition to our church members, many people from the community came to the picnic. We had 100 book bags with school supplies for the children,” Williams said at this year’s recent W.O.W. Fest and Back to School Rally at Tod Park.
“We ran out of food, and the book bags were gone in 30 minutes. There were so many more children in need, so I went around asking for donations, then ran to Walgreens to get more supplies. We ended up with about 100 more book bags to give out.”
Those generous spontaneous donations showed the value of working beyond the general church area and Working Outside the Walls Foundation was born.
“We want to impact the community, and meet their needs. We can do more together than apart.” Williams said. “I like to be a bridge for the people, bringing them together.”
Asia Bunch of East Chicago and her family members found a shady spot under a small grove of trees as soon as they arrived at this year’s event. “I’m so excited to be here. I’ve heard so much about this fest,” Bunch said, as the live music began. “This is a very relaxing atmosphere.”
All ages were considered — from face painting and crafts for the kids to bingo games and a health tent for senior citizens. Health screenings were offered, as well as representatives from insurance companies, local pharmacies and organizations of interest for the seniors.
That first church picnic welcomed 100 people and offered one bouncy house for the kids.
This year, 10 bouncy houses were lined up when the doors opened at Tod Park and 1,000 book bags loaded with school supplies were at the ready.
“This is like a big family reunion, people come back every year,” said Greater Destiny Bible Church minister Katrina Alexander, who helped coordinate the event. “Last year, we had about 3,000 people and this year we’ll probably have about the same.”
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Among the first in line at the school supplies tent were the Benito and Carmen Rojas family of East Chicago.
“This is a great thing, to help people that have hard economic issues,” Carmen Rojas said, as she watched her daughters Alicia, 15, Brianne, 12, Jasmin, 10 and Maria, 7, bring back their new black book bags that contained necessary school supplies. “This is one less worry for us.”
Foundations of East Chicago and North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan were major sponsors of the fest, with many other organizations, associations and individuals also donating,
“I heard about this praise event from my neighbor, who couldn’t come today,” said Mabel Latimer of East Chicago, as she watched singers from Greater Destiny Bible Church take the main stage. “My, what a great thing this is for a Sunday afternoon. Free school things for the kids, shopping and inspirational music all day long. I heard the park would be filling up, so I wanted to get here early.”
Vendors offered numerous wares — from purses and headscarves to clothes and jewelry.
Throughout the daylong event, there was music, music and more music. Greater Destiny Bible Church singers and dancers took the stage, as well as local and national artists. Stellar Award winner James Fortune, Nue Breed, Trina Dorsey and WYCA-FM 102.3’s Keno from Street Sermonz were featured.
Learn more
Working Outside the Walls (W.O.W.) Foundation also offers various conferences throughout the year. For more information: (219) 398-2006.