Modesto event addresses physical, spiritual needs of homeless

MODESTO -- Hundreds of people flocked to Tower Park on Saturday for a hot meal, haircut, clothing and spiritual nourishment as part of an outreach program held by Modesto Foursquare Gospel Church.

Church volunteers had fed about 300 people — more than half of them homeless — by about 3:30 p.m, said Ray Quintero, a deacon with the church.

Volunteers served a choice of turkey — teriyaki, jalapeño or habanero — mashed potatoes, corn and green beans, rolls and dessert. The meal was washed down with water, coffee or punch.

"This is a good thing," said Luther Turnage, 50, as he finished a second helping of mashed potatoes. "It's been a good day."

The church has been conducting outreach events at Tower Park for more than a decade. But Quintero said that this year the church will hold four such events, double the number usually held annually.

"We feel led to do more because of the great response we've gotten from it," he said. "We do it for Christ."

The outreach at the park on 17th Street between G and H streets included a bounce house and puppet show for children and ministry programs for teens and adults.

The church had help from about a dozen cadets from the Stanislaus Military Academy, an alternative school in Turlock.

Church member Tami Johnson recruited a half-dozen classmates from California Beauty College. She estimates she and her classmates did 60 haircuts.

"The ones I talked to said it had been so long since they had a haircut," Johnson said. "They were so thankful. No one complained, but then we didn't have any mirrors. But it was an awesome experience."

Bee staff writer Kevin Valine can be reached at kvaline@modbee.com or (209) 578-2316.