Churches rally to help Elginites in need

The City of Churches is reinforcing its reputation this weekend with an event expected to serve more than 1,000 people.

Dozens of Elgin churches have come together over the last six months planning Love Elgin Day, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, starting at Vineyard Church of Elgin, 220 Division St., offering free food, clothing, medical services, bike repair, vehicle checkups, haircuts, makeovers, legal advice, help with job or college searches and other services from local nonprofits.

Jeorge Holmes, former pastor at Elgin’s Highland Fellowship Church, started reaching out to the faith community in September, piggybacking on ideas his pastor friends in Wisconsin and California started.

“This is very faith-based and Christ-centered,” Holmes said. “I would call it a holistic presentation of the gospel.”

The goal, Holmes said, is to connect people who are struggling to resources that can help them during the event but also in the weeks and months to come — and to let them experience God’s love along the way.

“That’s the heart behind it all,” Holmes said. “People, if they are feeling hopeless in some area, would walk away with incredible hope and support. That’s my prayer.”

A group of about 25 individuals has been working to arrange the massive event, which is being hosted by four churches in Elgin’s downtown on Chicago Street, Highland Avenue and Division Street. Another 200 will volunteer Saturday to serve whoever comes.

Christine Follman, of Huntley, is a member of Highland Fellowship Church and has been coordinating the clothing collection. She said items for all ages and sizes will be laid out on tables for people to choose from. Food will also be available and volunteers will help families load up their cars.

From the start at the Vineyard Church, attendees will go through a short introductory session in groups of 150 and then be free to visit the Family Life Church, First Congregational Church and First United Methodist Church in whichever order they’d like. Groups like Centro de Información, Administer Justice, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Kane County Health Department will have information for families and Elgin Police and Fire officials will have resources on safety issues, neighborhood awareness and fire prevention.

For Follman, the event is a way to reach out to people going through hard times.

“There are 16,000 people out of work in Elgin,” Follman said. “Do they need it? Absolutely. I know a lot of people who are just struggling.”

Visit loveelginday.org for more.