The church holds its inaugural Single Parents Fair on Aug. 18. The fair includes car washes, oil changes, massages, facials, lunch, a farmers market, haircuts, legal advice, financial counseling, inflatables and kids’ activities – all free.
“We want to fill this place up,” said Eben Brusco, the worship and arts pastor of Vineyard Church of Augusta. A crowd of 300 or 400 is expected.
The church has worked for months to connect with local agencies that could help with the fair.
Last week, a representative from the Society of St. Andrew dropped off 1,000 pounds of sweet potatoes at the church.
They’re going to be given away in a “farmers market” where single parents can shop for groceries.
“The need is there. I think there is going to be an amazing turnout,” said Janet Sack, Georgia program coordinator of the hunger relief nonprofit, which gleans food from farms and orchards after the harvest and distributes it to those in need.
Hair stylists in the church volunteered to give children back-to-school haircuts.
A local doctor will work with a team of nurses to provide health screenings. A representative from the nonprofit Georgia Legal Services will be on hand for legal counseling.
“We want people to experience the practical love of God,” Brusco said. “We want to equip, serve and love single parents in a practical way. They’ve got the toughest job in the world.”
