01/10/2026
A Year in Review
Try Jesus Foundation – Community Outreach Center
Throughout the year, Try Jesus Foundation has remained committed to serving our community with love, just as our Savior instructed:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34–35
Each member of the Try Jesus Foundation Board serves on a volunteer basis, giving their time, talents, and resources to make our town a better place. We are deeply grateful for the many individuals, organizations, and community partners who joined us throughout 2025 to help fulfill this mission.
Community Outreach Highlights
Summer Meals Program
During the summer months, our center proudly served as the host site for the Summer Meals Program, administered through the Excel by Eight Program and funded by grant support. This program provided approximately 100 meals daily to children under the age of 18. Try Jesus Foundation was honored to offer our facility and coordinate volunteers from our organization and the community to help meet this basic and essential need for our children.
Back to School Bash – Lockesburg Park
Try Jesus Foundation participated in the community Back to School Bash at Lockesburg Park by providing a water slide for family fun. School supplies were also donated to support students as they prepared for the new school year.
Back to School Clothing Drive & Giveaway
Throughout the month of July, we conducted a clothing drive to collect items for students in need. In August, these donations were distributed during the Back to School Clothing Giveaway, helping local families with essential clothing for the school year.
Backyard Bible Club
Beginning in September, Backyard Bible Club welcomed children ages 5–12 for weekly gatherings featuring Bible lessons, snacks, and fun activities. This program continued through March and provided a nurturing environment for children to learn about God’s love.
Coat and Blanket Drive
In October, Try Jesus Foundation began collecting coats, jackets, and blankets to prepare for colder weather. During the November giveaway, hundreds of items were distributed to community members in need.
Community Thanksgiving Meal
Our first-ever Community Thanksgiving Meal was held in November and was made possible through the generosity and support of our community. Over 200 meals were served, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship, gratitude, and the true spirit of small-town family.
Christmas Outreach & Parade Participation
Backyard Bible Club participated in the community Christmas Parade with a float themed “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” earning first place honors. The children also presented “’Twas the Night Before the FIRST Christmas,” sharing the story of Christ’s birth. The celebration concluded with a reception, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa Claus, who delivered stockings filled with gifts to the children.
Annual Toy Drive
The Annual Toy Drive began in November with the collection of toys for local children. In December, families participated in the Toy Giveaway. Remaining toys were distributed throughout the community as board members and volunteers traveled by trailer to bring joy directly to children’s homes.
Teen Fellowship & Safe Space Events
Throughout the year, several evenings were dedicated to providing teens with a safe place to gather, play games, and enjoy positive fellowship. These events culminated with a New Year’s Eve celebration, closing out the year on a joyful note.
Try Jesus Foundation is thankful for every volunteer, donor, and community partner who made these efforts possible. We look forward to continuing to serve with love, compassion, and faith in the year ahead.
