When Central States Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) planned its annual camp meeting outreach, the goal wasn’t simply to give away 300 pairs of sneakers. The vision was to invite the surrounding community onto the camp meeting grounds, meet practical needs and create opportunities for people to experience the love of Christ.
That vision resonated. More than 1,000 people registered for the giveaway, and more than 400 attended the event.
Families were welcomed with much more than shoes. The outreach featured a family fun zone with a bounce house for children, diaper distribution, and snacks. While the sneaker giveaway attracted many families, every aspect of the event was designed to communicate that the church cares about its neighbors.
Central States ACS Director Brian Irby said the outreach centered on two objectives: introducing the community to the camp meeting experience and engaging young people in meaningful ministry.
Approximately 25 youth and young adults answered that call, serving throughout the day by setting up tents, registering guests, distributing sneakers and diapers, assisting families, cleaning the grounds and helping dismantle the event afterward.
“One of the greatest blessings was watching our young people actively serve their community,” Irby said.
The outreach also revealed the significant needs that exist in the surrounding community. As families arrived throughout the day, volunteers heard story after story of parents doing everything they could to prepare their children for the upcoming school year.
One encounter especially stayed with Irby.
A mother arrived at 5:45 a.m. for an event that would not begin until noon. She simply wanted to make sure her children would receive shoes.
Later that afternoon, two children who had received sneakers found Irby to say thank you.
“They and their mother were so excited and grateful,” he recalled. “Moments like that remind you why this work matters.”
Volunteer Cheryl Davis witnessed those same moments of gratitude while serving families throughout the day.
“It was very fulfilling to see so many people in need and know that we were able to help meet that need,” Davis said. “I just praise God for how everythingturned out. It’s very rewarding to be able to serve people in that way.”
The outreach reflected what ACS strives to accomplish in every community it serves—meeting practical needs while building relationships that point people to Christ. Rather than simply handing out shoes, volunteers intentionally spent time talking with families, welcoming them and making them feel valued.
Irby said the approach was modeled after the ministry of Jesus, who first showed compassion by meeting people’s needs before inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him.
“Meeting practical needs is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate the love of Christ,” he said.
The event itself was the result of collaboration across the conference. Adventist Community Services partnered with the Central States Conference Youth Ministries, Evangelism and Education departments, local churches and community partners, with additional financial support provided through a Mid-America Union grant.
Central States Conference President Cryston Josiah reminded those gathered that the outreach was never intended to be a one-time event.
“Wherever we are, we want to bless the people in our neighborhood,” Josiah said. “This is not the end. This is the beginning.”
That commitment was evident throughout the afternoon as volunteers served hundreds of guests with smiles, conversations and practical assistance. While the shoes, diapers and food met immediate needs, organizers hoped every interaction communicated something even more lasting.
For Irby, the success of the outreach won’t ultimately be measured by the number of sneakers distributed or the hundreds of people who attended. Instead, he hopes families left with something they cannot outgrow.
“I hope they left knowing that God loves them and that they matter,” Irby said. “If they left with hope and encouragement, then we accomplished our mission.”
For one afternoon during camp meeting, 300 pairs of sneakers became much more than back-to-school supplies. They became an expression of Christ’s love—one conversation, one family and one act of kindness at a time.
