Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Evanston hosted its eighth Community Day/Health Fair Back To School Jam School Supplies Give Away Event on Aug. 12 where students and their families get set to start the 2023-2024 school year.
The four-hour annual midday free event took place in the church parking lot and inside the building. A team of volunteers and community providers plus partners helped to make the day possible.
An estimated 250 to 300 people were served, according to Senior Pastor Rev. Rosalind K. Shorter Henderson of Bolingbrook, who circulated among attendees offering hearty welcomes to church and community members.
“I think that people like the idea of gathering together as a team, just coming out together,” Shorter Henderson said. “Our church would like to be a church that actually goes out beyond the walls of Bethel to actually service the community. And we also see there’s a need.”
Free offerings included packages of new underwear for children, fresh new socks, dental exams and cleanings, glucose blood testing, blood pressure testing, alcohol and drug treatment and other health screenings.
Breniqua Gee of Evanston brought her children and received school supplies and services for the family.
“It helps me out,” Gee said with a smile.
Anna Sampley, manager of education and community volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, conducted an educational session upstairs inside the church.
“Alzheimer’s, unfortunately, is becoming more and more prominent in all of our communities,” Sampley said, adding that more than six million people in the United States are impacted by the disease.
People living longer are among reasons why Alzheimer’s diagnoses have climbed.
“It’s really important to raise awareness about what are the signs and symptoms, what to look out for,” Sampley said. “Early detection is key, so families need to know about it.”
Diabetes blood sugar checks and blood pressure readings were available at a station and table by NorthShore University HealthSystem.
Blood and glucose testing took place in the Rev. Harry E. Johnson Fellowship Hall.
Alexandra Phen, community pharmacy resident with NorthShore University HealthSystem, said the blood sugar checks help each, “patient that may not know they have diabetes.”
Phen said the event was an opportunity to reach out to the community.
“It’s a great way for them to just come over here to get their blood glucose checked … and blood pressure too,” Phen said.
Voter registration was also available courtesy of the NAACP Evanston/North Shore branch. Gerri Sizemore of Evanston staffed the NAACP voter registration table. Sizemore was also there to grow membership of the organization.
“It is very important that the NAACP continues to get members because the struggle continues,” Sizemore said. “The struggle for equal rights and justice, the NAACP is needed more than ever.”
For voting rights, “Every vote matters,” Sizemore said. “Every vote is counted.”
About one’s voice, “You need to use it,” Sizemore said.
Volunteer Bonnie Lockhart of Evanston, church member and registered nurse, staffed a welcome table under a tent.
“To have these services available to the community offered for free is such a magnificent thing,” Lockhart said. “I’m so glad Bethel has been able to do this.”
Children could play outside in a bounce house and were seen happily running around playing with giveaways such rainbow slinky type expandable toys. There were complimentary treats like fresh fruit plus lunch.
Staffing the outdoors grill was returning volunteer Chris Coley of Evanston.
Coley made a chicken taco recipe with green peppers, seasoning and onions. “And a lot of love,” Chris Coley said of the special ingredient. “Definitely love.”
Approximately 90 pounds of taco meat were made plus well over 100 hot dogs. Chips and drinks rounded out the community meal.
“I feel blessed just to be able to see what people can do when they come together,” Chris Coley said.
Eva Coley of Evanston also helped in the concession area and said, “It’s important to help the community understand that health is very important.”
Eva Coley, a church member here, wanted to, “make sure the kids have what they need to go to school.
“Times are tough.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
