D.C. Church Distributes Popsicles, School Supplies at Festival

Allegheny East Conference's Fourth Street Friendship church in Washington, D.C., recently hosted a 2025 Popsicle Festival where church members and volunteers gave away 486 popsicles and, most notably, 346 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Community members also received free haircuts, other grooming services, basic infant CPR classes and more. Members of Fire Engine 6 engaged with the community by providing fire safety education and assisting residents with signing up for smoke detector installations to promote better home and neighborhood safety.

“We are especially grateful to ANC 5E (Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5E) for awarding $2,500 in grant funding to support the event. Commissioner [Karla] Lewis continues to be a steadfast supporter of Fourth Street Friendship’s community initiatives, and her presence at our events is always deeply appreciated,” says Tijuana G. Griffin, the church’s Community Services director. “It was a blessing to be used by God in service to our community, meeting needs and spreading joy.”