It was all about giving back during the third annual “Doing it in the Park” event on Sunday, August 15.
The back-to-school community event was hosted by For The Youth Inc. and Sister & Brother Circle International at P.S. 127 Park on 99th Street and 25th Avenue in Corona. The event was for the children and their families, who got breakfast, dinner and desserts for free. At the end of the day, the children left with notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pens, crayons and other school supplies.
“My inspiration is giving back to my community one step at a time,” said Martha Oliver, president of Sister & Brother Circle International. “This has all been possible thanks to the many businesses that have contributed.”
Oliver said she had her whole family participating during the event. While her 97-year-old father seasoned the chicken at home, her brother Nathaniel Johnson worked his magic on the grill and her cousin Zemia Shoffner brought the macaroni salad.
“This is a great family event for us, and each year we are thrilled to see a better outcome,” said Zemia Shoffner, who provides guidance to domestic violence victims through a group called Talitha Cumi, meaning Women Arise in Aramaic.
“This is an awesome event for the kids, unfortunately there are a lot of parents who do not have enough money to purchase school supplies,” said Shawna Quiles, Oliver’s assistant at JC Power House.
Families came in and out as they enjoyed a day of recreation in the park filled with music, food and back-to-school supplies.
“It was a good idea because we now have school supplies,” said Kamaal Alexander as he enjoyed his plate of food.
With love and guidance, Oliver and her family provided the Corona community with the tools necessary for a great education.
“Thanks to the great energy put into the event, kids are enable to stay off the streets and want to be something more,” said Hayden D. Horsham, who is running for district leader.
