Real Life Church hosts backpack giveaway, free breakfast bar

Aug 13, 2023

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Anyone who went hungry on Saturday morning in New Kensington probably didn’t want to eat.

There were plenty of pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, juices and coffee for the taking — and all for free, courtesy of Real Life Church in Arnold.

The church was hosting a backpack give away and free breakfast bar with between 160 and 200 people showing up on the lawn at the Voodoo Brewery in New Kensington.

“We’ve had a heart for feeding the kids in the community,” church board member Christina Pollino said. “We wanted to provide breakfast or lunch today. Our church is up on the hill, and I felt it was important to get down into the community. So, we made a call, and the Voodoo Lounge management said you are welcome to our lawn and whatever it is you need.

“We’ve been collecting supplies, and donations have come in. We have free shirts, socks, underwear — everything is free. There are free backpacks, supplies, lots of things.

“My heart’s desire is to make sure the kids are confident, that they know God loves them, and there are people here in the community to help them.”

It was Real Life Church’s first time doing this.

“We’re so grateful to them. They offered their facility which was so nice,” worship leader Jackie Houston said. “It’s within walking distance from the projects. It’s a perfect place. They’ve invited us to come back and do it again.”

Nicolette Wojcik said she and her two children, Hartlee and Jett, were going to have lunch at the nearby Knead Community Cafe.

“We didn’t know this was going on, so we walked over once we saw it,” Wojcik said. “We got school supplies, book bags, notebooks, folders, socks, T-shirts. We’re glad we came.”

Real Life Church pastor Bill Richardson said there is a need in the community, and he’s happy to fill it.

“We know that a lot of kids don’t get backpack supplies and different things, so we want to step in and help families get what they need for their kids,” Richardson said. “It’s been a good turn out. We’ve given out about 165 backpacks.”

Tonia Arndt, New Kensington, said if there hadn’t been this giveaway, she’s not sure what she would have done for her two kids.

“We live locally so it was nice to be able to take a walk and come over,” Arndt said. “And the kids love chocolate chip waffles, so that was definitely a plus for them.

“They each got a book bag and school supplies — folders, tablets, colored pencils — and some little things like socks. and toothpaste, and toothbrushes. It’s always nice to have extras of those.

“And they had coffee for me — which was really good, because I didn’t have any this morning.”

Paul Guggenheimer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at [email protected].

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