WINONA LAKE – The community is invited to the 14th annual “We Care Warsaw” event Saturday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Gordon Health and Wellness Center, 100 Publishers Drive, Winona Lake.
The day is provided to help encourage those in the community who have needs meeting their family needs. In the past, over 1,000 guests have attended the day that is sponsored and provided by over 350 volunteers from the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, according to a news release from WLGBC.
After needing to make the event a drive-thru event last year due to the pandemic, the church is looking forward to returning to an in-person event on Saturday.
Over $32,000 worth of complimentary services and items are made available at the event – such as haircuts, family photos, make-up and manicure stations. In addition, as supplies last, a family unit receives a bag of groceries provided by World Compassion Network, a dozen of eggs provided by Egg Innovations and one bottle of laundry detergent provided by the church.
Each guest will receive a door prize ticket as they enter the event. Throughout the length of day, ticket numbers will be drawn to award gift cards to community grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants and more. Several grand prizes of $100 gift cards are awarded at the end of the day. By the end of the day, over $3,000 in gift cards will be awarded along with other door prizes.
A full course turkey meal is provided for up to 1,000 people. Tickets are free for each of four seating times. Each seating time of 250 people is available as tickets remain. The meal includes roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, apple and pumpkin pie, coffee, milk and water.
A health clinic, operated by Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition, will provide free health screenings and explanations.
A Kid-Zone is available throughout the day, including inflatable bounce houses, pedal cars races, craft tables, cookie decorating, face painting and balloon art.
A Christmas store allows parents to purchase toys, educational materials and winter garments for children. Prices are discounted under retail cost. All proceeds benefit the monthly Gas Card Day that the church provides for the community. Free Christmas gift wrapping is available.
Community groups represented with resource tables include Beaman Home, Cardinal Services/Kosciusko Head Start, Combined Community Services, English as a New Language, Heartline, Ivy Tech Community College/Warsaw, Lutheran Services, Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition, Real Services, World Compassion Network. Other donations are provided by Grace College, Terry Ellis Photography, numerous hair salon stylists, World Compassion Network and Egg Innovations.
