BLOOMINGTON - The promise of free school supplies drew crowds Saturday to Miller Park. But the festive atmosphere, sunshine and a breeze kept them there, as thousands lingered at the Bloomington Block Bash, sponsored by 14 local churches and faith-based organizations.

"It's something else. We don't take it for granted. It's like a mini-vacation here today for us," said Maudie Jones of Bloomington.

She and husband Alex Jones loaded everyone in the minivan and headed to Miller Park after a neighbor mentioned the giveaway.

"We came here because of the school supplies. It helps - especially with the economy the way it is," Alex Jones said. With three of their five kids in school, August expenses add up quickly, he said.

The bash handed out about 1,200 school supply kits filled with crayons, pencils, scissors, paper and more in each.

East White Oak Bible Church's Larry Van Gundy, associate pastor of outreach, said more than 350 volunteers from the involved churches and ministries brought enough food and prizes for up to 5,000.

Van Gundy expected to run out of supply kits Saturday, but he said volunteers would direct families to a similar event Aug. 9 at First Christian Church in downtown Bloomington.

In addition to helping families, the bash lets East White Oak, based in rural Carlock, connect with Twin City congregations and build a bridge to help west Bloomington. "We want to be the salt - and create a thirst for God; and we want to be the light - and show a way from darkness," he said.

Volunteers passed out free snow cones, hotdogs and bottled water. There also were carnival-styled games, a kids' bounce house, prayer stations and a variety of Gospel-themed entertainment.

Bernard Bradley, a volunteer from Bloomington's Joy Full Gospel Church, said school supplies are front and center, but spreading God's word is the backbone of the event.

"We're trying to get out here and find out what are the issues people are facing, and how can we help them find a church home," he said. "Sometimes it might be something as simple as needing a ride to a service."

For 7-year-old Andrew Kozak - who came to the event with his mother Janene Maxon of Normal, along with three siblings, a cousin and uncle - Saturday was about having fun.

"I liked the basketball. You get to shoot a lot," and there were prizes, he said, showing off several bracelets he'd won at games.

Some volunteers took the opportunity to share their own special talents with the crowds.

Ellen Masessa of Normal, who attends Jacob's Well Community Church in Normal, helped at her congregation's booth, where the group raffled free fruits and vegetables every hour from the church's community garden.

"Earlier this afternoon we were giving away bags of tomatoes and onions. It's our way of reaching out into the community, and to promote healthy eating," Masessa said.

Sharing supplies

Four churches and 10 faith-based nonprofits hosted the Bloomington Block Bash on Saturday in Miller Park. Organizers, who distributed about 1,200 school supply kits, included:

- City of Refuge Church of God through Christ

- East White Oak Bible Church

- Joy Full Gospel Community Church

- Mount Moriah Christian Church

- Alleman Foundation

- Basic Outreach (Angel Food)

- Jesus House

- Fellowship of Christian Athletes

- Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center

- Midwest Food Bank

- Ministry & More Food Pantry

- Recycling Furniture for Families

- Spread Truth

- Young Life of McLean County