Convoy of Hope rolls into Houma Nov 17

Victory Christian Center is opening its arms to the community, offering non-perishable food, which could help in preparing Thanksgiving Day meals for local families.

The faith-based center calls the community outreach event – the first for Victory Christian – “Convoy of Hope.”

Event chairman Andre Badeaux said Convoy of Hope is a non-profit organization out of St. Louis, Mo. The organization travels throughout the U.S. supplying truckloads of non-perishable food items to needy families.

“They’ve always wanted to come to this area and help out,” he said. “They are already making plans to come back next year.”

On Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an 18-wheeler will unload more than 2,000 pre-packed sacks of groceries at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Victory Christian Center is the administering agent for the Convoy of Hope in the Houma area.

“The convoy supplies the groceries and local churches are responsible for getting the items to the residents in the parish,” Badeaux said.

The mission is geared toward helping needy families. However, anyone can receive a sack of groceries. “Our mission is to help the families of Lafourche and Terrebonne. We want to make sure that we are making a difference in the community,” Badeaux explained.

Victory Christian Center has also joined forces with other area Christian churches to supply families with toiletries and hand sanitizers. Some of the participating churches include Thibodaux’s Family Church, Living Word Church in Houma, Bayou Blue’s Assembly of God Church and the First Baptist Church of Houma.

“These churches were part of the Victory Fest 2007 celebration and they wanted to come back and help with Convoy of Hope,” Badeaux said.

The churches are also volunteering on the day of the giveaway. “Any organization that wants to participate can come help or volunteer,” he added.

On the day of the event, Badeaux estimates more than 3,000 to 4,000 people will roam through the civic center. Each family has the option of taking advantage of the many services that will be offered.

In addition to learning more about the Convoy of Hope, Badeaux said several helping organizations, including the Haven, a local shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and the state Medicaid office will be on hand.

“There will be different types of organizations on hand giving helping information to residents,” he said.

Throughout the afternoon, local Christian bands, choirs and song groups will also provide live music. And a kid’s zone will include a youth ministry and carnival area for children, Badeaux said. Children will be issued tickets to be used to play the games, and prizes will be awarded.

There is no admission for the Convoy of Hope giveaway, and everyone who attends the event will receive a free lunch, Badeaux said.

For more information, call (985) 868-3153.