Even though school is already in session, the Grant Chapel AME Church in Valley Grande still hosted their back to school Family Fun Day this past Saturday.

Senior pastor, the Rev. Nicole Slater led the event which provided clothes, school supplies and food to all who came out for the event.

“We wanted to give the kids time to get acclimated to their environment and settle down,” she said. “We still wanted to give them a hint of summer, even though school had already started. They still have time to see what else they might need for school.”

Approximately 150 people showed up to the church for the family fun day, according to Slater.

Registration began at noon, and was followed by a brief service.

“Our theme is ‘Loving God, Loving People,’” Slater said. “It’s been a wonderful free atmosphere. You can just see the fellowship among people.”

After a song and devotional, guest speaker, minister Felicia King-Thomas, “presented the word and opportunity for those present to accept Jesus as Lord of their life,” Slater said.

King-Thomas said she was glad to be a part of the family fun day and give back to kids in need.

“I couldn’t help but to say yes to Slater’s invite,” King-Thomas said. “The event is meant to rally the community. Number one, to introduce Christ to them, but also to let them know education is important.”

The family fun day looked more like a family reunion than a church gathering.

Gospel music played while kids, teenagers and adults participated in games together. People picked clothes and accessories from the tables set out in front of the church.

A game of BINGO was being played underneath the shade of the trees.

Some of the children played on the slip and slide, awaiting the next water balloon fight to start.

Inside the church, food and beverages were served.

Some kids also huddled around a big screen TV and took turns playing games on the PlayStation4.

Visiting churches, schools and organizations also came to the family fun day to show their support and engage in the community service effort.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Inc., contributed to make the family fun day possible, according to Slater.

“We had donations from members of the church, members of those organizations and individual contributions too,” she said.

According to Slater, approximately 130 backpacks packed with school supplies were given away to children from across the county that attend different schools and churches.

“A lot of times we come to church and we leave. We come to the worship service and that’s all we do,” Slater said. “By us coming together on the church grounds on a Saturday, it gives us time to mingle and fellowship. It gives us an opportunity for all of us to come together.