By Kathy Chouteau
At the Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM) “Back-to-School Block Party” in Richmond, volunteers wore T-shirts blazing the message: “Love without Limits!” That’s exactly what was on display in the Iron Triangle neighborhood of Richmond on Saturday.
BARM, which provides food, shelter, clothing and programs to help transform the lives of people in need, treated community members to a rousing, three-block party, the pinnacle moment of which saw the organization give away approximately 1,500 backpacks to children to help them prepare for the upcoming school year.
The jubilant crowd of about 2,500 people also accessed a slew of other resources aimed at helping them not only start the school year off right, but also enjoy some good times along the way.
According to CEO & President Bram Begonia, the event featured 50 community vendors, a Kids Zone with a jump house, petting zoo and wall mural, free clothes, haircuts, food and groceries, as well as “all the resources that our community members need.” In the heart of the action was a DJ—helped by a few kiddos—who kept everyone’s spirts amped up.
Begonia praised BARM’s sponsors and partner churches for helping make the Block Party possible, which included Chevron Richmond, an annual sponsor whose employees pitch in to help prep for the event and operate its numerous activities.
Learn more about the Bay Area Rescue Mission here or by contacting them at (510) 215-4869 or [email protected].
