Over 600 Volunteers Unite at James River Church to Pack 140,000 Pounds of Food And Supplies for Nationwide Relief, Including Texas Flood Victims

In a powerful display of compassion and community, James River Church mobilized over 600 volunteers during its July Saturday Serve to pack 140,000 pounds of aid for families in need and disaster zones, including those impacted by the recent Texas flooding.

OZARK, Mo., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, July 12, more than 600 volunteers gathered from James River Church to take part in the church's monthly Saturday Serve outreach, packing over 10,000 bags of food and essential supplies—a total of over 140,000 pounds. These supplies will be distributed in the coming months to support local rural communities, families in need, and disaster relief efforts nationwide, including helping families affected by the recent flooding in Texas.

Held in partnership with the national humanitarian relief organization Convoy of Hope, the event took place indoors at the Convoy of Hope headquarters, allowing families, children, and volunteers of all ages to participate comfortably despite the summer heat. From toddlers placing snacks into bags to children coloring personalized "Jesus Loves You" cards to include with supplies, the event reflected a deep culture of service that spans generations.

"This is about more than one day of volunteering," said a James River Church staff member and event coordinator. "It's about raising families who love their community and teaching our kids that serving others is a way of life."

This special collaboration with Convoy of Hope has become a beloved tradition at James River Church. Volunteers at Saturday Serve events help prepare supplies for Days of Hope outreach events and emergency responses nationwide, like Convoy of Hope's response to the current crisis in Texas.

The family-friendly format of Saturday Serve is a cornerstone of its success. In addition to supply packing, children don miniature "Serve Team" T-shirts and are invited to contribute in age-appropriate ways. For many families, Saturday Serve is their first introduction to community service—an opportunity to work side by side and model compassion at home and beyond.

"Seeing kids light up while helping others is one of the best parts of this event," said one volunteer. "It's more than community outreach—it's a lifestyle we're building together."

Saturday Serve is part of James River Church's year-round outreach strategy, which also includes Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas gift deliveries, and regular volunteer opportunities for those of all ages. These initiatives are designed to make serving others a consistent, accessible part of everyday life.

With thousands of pounds of aid packed in a single day, the impact of Saturday Serve is immediate—but the long-term vision is even bigger. James River Church is committed to raising a generation of people who view compassion as part of everyday life.

About James River Church

James River Church is a dynamic, multi-campus church in southwest Missouri committed to sharing the love of Christ through worship, discipleship, and community outreach. With a strong emphasis on serving others, James River Church offers monthly opportunities like Saturday Serve to make a tangible impact locally and beyond.

About Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian relief organization that has served millions of people worldwide through community events, disaster response, children's feeding programs, and agricultural initiatives.

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SOURCE James River Church