Place of Grace distributes candy, supplies at “Goody Grab”

ROCKINGHAM — Zombies, ghosts, superheroes and other characters rolled into the Place of Grace Campus parking lot Saturday for the “Goody Grab Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch,” where children received free candy, school supplies, bibles and other items from campus residents, staff members and volunteers.

The event provided children with somewhat of a typical Halloween experience in a low-risk environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pastor Gary Richardson said the purpose of the event was to “bless the community,” while also serving as an outreach event to raise awareness about Place of Grace’s various community offerings — including church services and free food distribution initiatives.

“We’re just trying to do things different to continue to be able to minister to the community,” Richardson said. “That way I know the kids aren’t going door-to-door much. But we want them to be able to have some type of fun.”

With gospel music playing in the background, cars processed in a line through the parking lot, receiving a variety of goody bags along the way. Each car carried children of all ages clad in costumes ranging from store-brought sets to homemade designs. Occasionally, to the delight of the Place of Grace volunteers, the parents wore costumes as well.

Richardson emphasized the need for unity within the local community during the pandemic, a concept that was on display throughout Saturday’s event.

“That’s what we need, we need community,” Richardson said. “We need somebody that’s willing to bless the community, and let them know that we can still have fun and have a good time. I know we’re in a pandemic and doing the best we can to be safe, but we want to have fun too, with our community.”