By Rita Howell

The shiny red Convoy of Hope transport truck pulled into Batesville last Friday after months of preparation by about 30 local churches and volunteers who had planned for the massive one-day assist for area families in need. The transport truck was loaded with pallets of groceries to be given away, but the event was about more than free food.

In all, 3,190 guests came Saturday to take advantage of free services offered at the Batesville Civic Center. Available to the guests were haircuts, family portraits, clothing, medical check-ups and lunch.

Thirty-nine agencies were represented at the event, offering information about a wide range of available services.

From the civic center’s main stage, a steady stream of local groups provided music.

Fully one-third of the Civic Center floor was roped off as a colorful Kid Zone, where games and lively entertainment awaited any child who came through.

Another large area was reserved as a space for prayer. Participants exited the event through the south door, where each family received two bags of groceries.

Convoy of Hope’s Mission

Convoy of Hope is a Missouri-based relief organization founded in 1994 by Hal Donaldson. The ministry sponsors community outreach events, like the one here Saturday, and also provides disaster response. Convoy of Hope has already sent multiple truckloads of supplies to Tuscaloosa, Ala. following the recent tornadoes, a spokesman said Friday.

Convoy of Hope is also involved in food programs for children in underdeveloped countries.

In 16 years Convoy of Hope has helped more than 42 million people in more than 100 countries, according to its Web site. The organization has given away more than $227 million worth of food and supplies to those in need.

Batesville physician David Ball served as the local liaison for the event.

By the numbers

In all, 780 local volunteers helped run the Convoy of Hope Batesville outreach. They met for dinner and instructions last Friday night at Batesville First Baptist Church. They reported for duty at the Civic Center on Saturday morning at 7:30.

Local hairdresser Annie Ruth Putman had lined up an army of professionals who gave 255 haircuts.

Dr. Bob Corkern was in charge of the medical services and had enlisted nine health agencies, five doctors, three dentists and many nurses. They saw 650 patients.

A group from Tri-Lakes Medical Center was also on hand.

Photographer Malcolm Morehead and his crew made 206 family portraits.

Volunteers had worked for weeks assembling gently used clothing to be given away. They ended up with 17 racks of clothes from which the guests could choose.

After the pallets of groceries were unloaded from the transport truck, volunteers assembled bags of canned goods, spaghetti, salad and treats to be sent home with the families.

Everyone had the opportunity to stop  for prayer.

According to volunteer Mary Pearl Roberson, 2,552 people were prayed for and 62 people made commitments to Christ.

“It was a resounding success,” Dr. Ball said. “It couldn’t have been better.”