Living Word Christian Center to Host Major Back‑to‑School Family Event August 1 at Forest Park Plaza, Supported by Forest Park Plaza and Living Fresh Market

Melody Winston with her father, Dr. Bill Winston
Melody Winston with her father, Dr. Bill Winston

Living Word Christian Center to Host Major Back‑to‑School Family Event August 1 at Forest Park Plaza, Supported by Forest Park Plaza and Living Fresh Market

FOREST PARK, IL — Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), in partnership with two of its key business entities—Forest Park Plaza, the largest retail center in the Village of Forest Park, and Living Fresh Market, the 71,000‑square‑foot full‑service supermarket—will host one of the largest family events of the summer: the Back‑to‑School Family Event and School Supply Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Forest Park Plaza parking lot at 7630 Roosevelt Road.

The celebration reflects Living Word Christian Center’s longstanding commitment to strengthening families, supporting students, and serving the broader community through practical, spiritual, and economic outreach.

Living Word Christian Center, a 21,000‑member global ministry founded by Dr. Bill Winston, is known nationally for its large‑scale outreach efforts, including its annual Ten City Tour, which brings faith‑based teaching, economic empowerment, and community support to cities across the United States.

In May, Living Word Christian Center served as the Chicago flagship host site for Good Neighbor Day America, a nationally televised day of service uniting churches and community partners across the country. The Forest Park event drew more than 3,000 attendees and provided free groceries, new clothing, health screenings, expungement services, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy resources.

Hosting the August 1 Back‑to‑School Family Event continues the church’s mission of meeting real needs with real love.

“The Living Word Christian Center has been a leader in our community when it comes to supporting families impacted by food inflation, SNAP reductions, and rising household costs,” said Ms. Melody Winston, Senior Executive of Living Fresh Market and Executive Director of Forest Park Plaza. “As part of Living Word Christian Center’s outreach mission, we want to ensure every child starts the school year with confidence, support, and the tools they need to succeed.”

Leading up to the August 1 celebration, Living Word Christian Center is hosting its annual School Supply Drive, accepting donations of new and unopened school supplies through July 31. Supplies do not need to be purchased from the church’s wish list.

Families Attending the August 1 Event Can Expect:

• 3‑on‑3 Basketball Tournament (sign‑up begins at 11:00 AM) • Bouncy houses and carnival games • Exciting prizes and giveaways • FREE lunch and treats • FREE backpacks filled with school supplies • FREE school clothes • Community organizations and government agencies on site to support family need.

School supplies, backpacks, clothing, and giveaways will be distributed first‑come, first‑served while supplies last.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Sister Talk