Another tribune article

Garden residents eat up Outreach fun

Editor’s note: The Kokomo Tribune publishes the “Good News, Good People” column. Tom Carey, community news editor, pens the articles, which spotlight local do-gooders and inspirational news. Carey may be contacted in care of the Tribune at 300 N. Union St., Kokomo, IN 46901.
Submissions may be dropped by the office or e-mailed to Carey at tom.carey@kokomotribune.com. He may also be contacted at (765) 454- 8560 or toll free at (800) 382-0696,Ext. 8560.

A plate laden with chips, cookies and a mustard slathe dog in one hand, a frosty can of pop in the other, the youngster ever so carefully walked toward friends at Garden Square. Right before ally dumping the food. The Rev. Jeff Newton quickly and calmly hovered over him, assuring the youngster someone else would clean up. He then told the boy to go get some more munchies.

Meanwhile, other youngsters faced serious decisions. Would it be the root beer, they mused, standing over a tub of iced cans; maybe a cola or a red pop? Assembling food, parents and their children settled around the area, enjoying the repast, neighbors’ company and maybe some games.

Newton, pastor of nearby Trinity U.M. Church, also is executive director of Kokomo Urban Outreach. The group is an interdenominational network of churches, faith-based organizations and individuals who have a heart for hometown missions.

Sunday was the premiere barbecue/block party Outreach presented at the south side apartment complex. Such free events will begin at 5 p.m. each Sunday through August. Newton said about 140 folks were served Sunday night. Many were parents joined by their children and that pleased the pastor, who said the summer events will provide nights of family togetherness. Dean Bousom, resident coordinator at Garden Square, said parents were joining their children at the barbecue site, then visiting with neighbors.

“We had whole families out,which was good,” Newton said. After dining, some of the children
drew chalk figures; Outreach personnel chatted with the kids, then distributed food for them to take home.

Any kind of canned soda would be appreciated from donors, Newton said. He also said the ministry could use items, including:
• Cases of water
• Cookies
• Charcoal
• Flying discs, Hula Hoops, playground balls, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other game items.
Those wanting to donate or get more info on the Outreach may call (765) 461-9618.