Church celebrates harvest

G.O.A.L. Diggers hosts event in support of hurricane victims

It was a mildly spooky afternoon at Friendship Baptist Church on Oct. 28 as the community was invited out for its first Harvest Festival.

The event was hosted by the G.O.A.L. (Grab Opportunities And Lift Others) Diggers, a committee that seeks to help those effected by the recent hurricanes that struck the southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico.

This free event included food, games and a trunk or treat in the parking lot of the church, 2160 Reeves Ave. in Lorain. According to organizers, between 400 and 500 people had attended the event in the first two hours.

Tracey Payton-Johnson is a member of the committee. She said she was compelled to help those suffering due to the storms because of the way the community responded when she lost her husband in a motorcycle crash about a year ago.

“The community, not just my family and friends, but the community as a whole embraced me and supported me,” she said. “Even in the midst of me healing and going through my grief and my pain, I decided that I wanted to do something for someone else.”

Tamika Newsome is also a member of the committee. She said while the event was free, attendees were asked to bring in canned goods or cleaning supplies for those affected by the hurricanes.

“It’s like giving with a cause,” she said.

She added that the committee is planning to hold fundraisers throughout the year.

Cierra Smith, 28, of Lorain, attended the event along with her two children; Jai’mir Smith, 3, who was dressed as a red Power Ranger, and Jai’naila Smith, 2, who was dressed as Peppa Pig.

“They’re enjoying themselves,” she said. “(Events like these) bring out the neighborhood and bring everyone together.”