Free Food Offer Draws Hundreds to Fill Waukee Food Pantry

A dunk tank, water balloons, cotton candy -- not the typical activities at a Sunday church event.

But this was no ordinary church gathering. The Waukee Christian Church parking lot was filled Sunday with activities -- including the dunk tank, swing set, inflatables, a live band, and foods -- all to benefit the food pantry operated by Waukee Area Christian Services.

The event was free, but people could bring food or money to donate to the pantry. The first 250 people to donate were served a free meal.

The Rev. Sue Woods said Sunday was the first time a family fun event was held, but likely not the last.

“We hope to make it an annual event,” Woods said. “We wanted to do something for the whole community. We wanted to give people a chance to get involved, bring some food and have a good time and come together as a community, that’s what we think church is about.”

Woods said she enjoyed the pie contest. Different bakers brought their pies and six celebrity judges -- including Mayor Bill Peard, Waukee school superintendent Dave Wilkerson, chamber of commerce board president Vickie Dornfield and Police public relations officer Mackenzie Sposeto -- graded the efforts.

“The pie contest has been fun,” Woods said. “We had great judges come and volunteer their time and it was fun talking to the bakers.”

Woods said kids seemed to enjoy the obstacle course, dunk tank and a Goliath water balloon activity.

“With each activity we are able to tell a message about a Scripture, but that hasn’t been the most important thing,” Woods said. “The most important thing is seeing the joy on the children's faces and getting to know other people, that’s what we really like.”

Woods said she wanted to thank everyone who helped with the event.

“I just really want to publicly thank all the people and partner relations,” Woods said “Warrior Lanes was a great partner, they filled the box at the bowling alley and will donate their food here, Waukee Patch, the food pantry, Fareway, Dahl's and members of the congregation who gave a lot of their own time.”