With over 26,000 residents in the 75212 (West Dallas) zip code and a plethora of nonprofits, what does Mercy Street see as one of the most effective ways to reach our neighbors? Collaboration. The 2019 Glowing Easter event was a fruitful gathering of families and neighbors alike, thanks to the hard-working staff committee from Buckner Family Hope Center, Mercy Street, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, Lakewest Family YMCA, and Nash-Davis Recreation Center.

Over 1,000 neighbors and 80 volunteers flooded the gates of the baseball fields where the event was hosted (Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex). As volunteers hustled to distribute wristbands, prepare hot dogs, and facilitate crafts and games, it became clear that the expected 700-person attendance was well on its way to being exceeded! Volunteers and community members built connections over hot dogs, face painting, string bracelets, Easter egg magnets, sack races, and of course, a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt. The Heights Primary Step Team performed a routine to a cheering crowd, and even the Easter bunny made an appearance.

Wes Keyes, Executive Director of Brother Bill’s, shared a Gospel message with all 1,000 attendees in both English and Spanish, ensuring that no child or parent walked away without knowing the purpose of the event and the celebration of Jesus’ redemptive resurrection.

Glowing Easter, nor any of our events, is not only about the fun and games. It is our hope that every child and parent experiences love and belonging when they interact with our staff, volunteers, and other families. Our heart is for the community and the incarnational transformation in store, as well as the promise of Jesus who is “making all things new.”