Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Freeport Community Church of the Nazarene hosted its second annual back-to-school community fair event, this year with the theme of “SATURATE.” The event offered residents with young children the opportunity to save on school supplies ahead of the rapidly approaching school year, as well as offering an afternoon of community bonding for all.
The fair, which took place on Saturday, Aug. 1, was a multifaceted event that offered impactful resources and entertainment for all ages. The back-to-school giveaway was one of the premiere highlights of the fair, with the church providing students with backpacks full of general supplies, stationery and other academic necessities. Supplies for up to 100 students were available, according to Reverend Oral Walcott, senior pastor of the Freeport Community Church of the Nazarene.
“The true essence of Christian faith is love; love for God and love for others, expressed in service,” Walcott stated when asked why serving the community in a non-religious way was important. “Jesus’ ministry as recorded in the Scriptures prioritized and exemplified ministry to others, especially those who are underserved and marginalized. Jesus teaches us that it is our love which will identify us as Christians, more so than religious traditions and practices.”
In addition to the giveaway, children were treated to face painting and a bouncy house, while adults had their pick at various health screenings, free food and other entertainment.
Another feature of the fair was a free gospel concert, hosted by the Freeport Community Church of the Nazarene worship team and other guests from Nazarene churches in Brooklyn.
“We firmly believe that the church is here to serve and positively impact our community,” Walcott asserts. “We don’t only exist to be a group of people gathering for worship within the confines of our church building, but our community must be made better because we exist and this fair is one way in which we seek to fulfill this mission.”
