Destiny goes big for back-to-school preparations

For anyone who has witnessed a sermon at Destiny Church or attended Destiny Community Center's annual production of Celebrate America, there is an expectation of witnessing something grandiose. The same expectation applies for back-to-school season. Destiny Community Center put out all the stops for its annual Backpack Giveaway, welcoming hundreds to Johnson Springview Park for a one-of-a-kind back-to-school celebration Saturday. In addition to giving out hundreds of backpacks with a plethora of school supplies, Saturday's celebration included a no-cost clothes store, grocery give-away and free haircuts. "This is our seventh year doing this and I fall in love with it more and more every year," said Mechelle Porter, Destiny Community Center outreach coordinator. "We get to meet the most incredible parents and kids. We're so thankful for the opportunity to serve them." Destiny Community Center marketing director Tanner DiBella said 1,600 backpacks, 5,500 articles of clothing and 4,000 pounds of fresh produce were given away at no cost to families on Saturday. "The Destiny Community Center desires to empower families and unite communities," DiBella said. "That's what this event is all about. We believe in our students, we want to see them empowered and it's our honor to serve them." Much like any other event organized by Destiny Community Center, there was plenty of entertainment. In addition to performances by the Destiny Performing Arts group, Saturday's event featured several booths with face painting, a balloon craft station and raffle prizes. Several large bounce houses and other games were set up for children and youth at heart. Superheroes and princesses also got in on the fun, as everyone from Moana to Thor offered picture opportunities for adoring kids. For Destiny Church founder Greg Fairrington, Saturday's event was the perfect embodiment of the ubiquitous slogan "Love Our City." "When we say we 'Love Our City,' that means every family, every individual and every child," Fairrington said. "We're here to stay and partner with our community through our events, our resources and our Community Center."