Lake Highlands United Methodist Church is hosting a community outreach event this Saturday, May 22 at Lake Highlands North Park, across from LHHS and adjacent to the rec center. They’re planning a family picnic, concert and food drive, and the entire LH community is invited.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be for sale hot off the grill or families can bring their own picnic dinners. The concert will feature One Heart, the praise band from the church’s contemporary service, along with the youth band comprised of LHHS students.
Food donations will be given to the Network of Community Ministries, which provides health and emergency services to children, low income families and senior citizens living within RISD. “Network is a catalyst for change in Lake Highlands,” LH resident and Network board member Chris Barnes told me, “with 71% of their assistance going to LH families. It is amazing what they are doing at a grass roots level, and they are expanding their facilities to reach more people who need help.” Network has three divisions: Emergency Services, the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic (which includes dental care) and the Seniors’ Net for elderly residents. Network is supported by businesses, individuals, churches and other organizations, using a small paid staff and hundreds of volunteers to promote self-sufficiency for low income families. All donations of food will be accepted, but the easiest things to carry to the park might be boxes of macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, dried beans, cereal and powdered baby formula. Donations of cash or check will also be gratefully accepted, or you can donate online via the Network website or the church website.
The event begins at 5:30 pm and the concert kicks off at 6:30 pm.
