Local government, law enforcement and community organizations collaborated on Friday to host a Labor Day weekend giveaway, distributing food and other items to the community.
The initiative, spearheaded by a partnership between Group Violence Intervention and First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, and supported by a Simmons grant, aimed to curb the increase in homicides often seen around holidays.
“We noticed it around the holidays, a lot of homicides,” explained Circuit Judge Earnest Brown. “So Debra Allen and I agreed that for Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day, we would do a community event — and, thank God, we have had low violence during this time.”
This collaborative effort brought together various agencies, including the fire department, police department, juvenile court, GVI and the sheriff’s department. “I think it’s important to show people that we care,” Brown said. “Once you get your violence down, you still need to have the outreach to the community. We haven’t lessened what we’re doing; we’re just increasing the outreach.”
The Labor Day giveaway was a citywide effort, according to Debra Allen, pantry director. “We just wanted to do something huge,” she shared, detailing how months of preparation went into acquiring supplies for the event.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
An addition to the giveaway was the inclusion of portable showers, a service provided by Grassroots Revival Ministries. Kristie Holliger, representing the organization, explained their mission, saying “We just minister to the homeless or anybody who doesn’t have water in their home. We give them showers and toiletries and love on them.”
Holliger also mentioned that at some events that they host, they provide free food, clothing, haircuts and live music, showcasing a holistic approach to community support.
The portable showers, a novel idea for many, proved to be a valuable resource.
“I met the people who own the portable showers at Judge Brown’s event in June at the convention center, and we established a relationship,” explained Allen, who said the service was utilized, particularly by individuals experiencing homelessness.
According to Allen, the event demonstrated the immense impact of collective action. “We need it, it’s needed in Pine Bluff,” she said. “As our mayor always says, ‘we can win, we’re better together.’ So our people need it here.”
Allen said the turnout, with over 500 cars in line, proved the community’s need and appreciation for such initiatives. “I’m just doing what God wants me to do, and that’s the only person I’m gonna listen to, is God,” she said.
Allen credits the success of the Labor Day giveaway to effective partnerships and community volunteers who are dedicated to creating a safer, more supportive environment.
