Hope Epidemic event set for Saturday in Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Chris Sullivan volunteered during last year's Hope Epidemic to make a difference in others lives. In the process, the Sikeston man said his life changed, too.

"Last year really opened my eyes on how people should be and made me see things in a different light," Sullivan said. "I see people for who they are and not how they're dressed, what they look like, where they come from or the color of their skin."

Set for Saturday, the 2012 Hope Epidemic begins at 7:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

"This is one of the best things to be involved with," Sullivan said of the event. "To be able to get out in the community and talk to people is such a joy. I think if people in general just took the time to do that, they would see just how much better things can be."

Sullivan recalled at last year's Hope Epidemic when he sat and listened to a woman who had two children.

"When I talked with her and listened to what she had to say and when we were done, she wrapped her arms around me and said: ‘Thank you. I never thought anyone cared,'" Sullivan recalled. "That is what it's about."

It's volunteers like Sullivan who make the event a success, according to Brad Aycock, one of the event's organizers. Following a free breakfast for volunteers at 7:30 a.m., beginning at 8:30 a.m volunteers will perform creative acts of hope throughout Southeast Missouri

"You hear a lot of people make comments about a law and how they would change it and how do different things if in charge and here's an opportunity to make the world better," Aycock said.

Volunteers will be dispatched throughout the area to complete hundreds of acts of hope including community clean up, food drives, nursing home visits, surprising people with coupons and giveaways, retrieving shopping carts at stores, cemetery clean up, providing treats for vendors and emergency response teams, visiting families and patients at the hospital and more.

"Our goal is to go out and serve during the morning with these acts of hope [Hope Epidemic]. We will then all come together at a neutral site at noon and provide more opportunities for assistance and inspiration, to everyone [HopeFest]," Aycock said.

Last year more than 1,000 volunteers served, and so far about 650 people have signed up to volunteer at this year's event. More volunteers are welcome to sign up, Aycock said.

"I've never seen that many people willing to give so much to people who need it," Sullivan noted.

At noon, area residents are invited to the former MarketPlace in Sikeston for the free celebration known as HopeFest. During this celebration, former Major League baseball player Darryl Strawberry will share his message of hope. Musician Brian "Head" Welch, Korn founder, will perform along with his band Love and Death. Also appearing will be rapper JSon and The Walker Bros.

Those attending will be offered food, haircuts, groceries and medical/dental/vision screenings, along with many other services. There will also be a KidsZone and a blood drive.

According to Aycock, the event had great impact last year amid one of the worst floods in the history of the area.

Sullivan agreed. "It really came at a good time because it was needed. We were able to help a lot of people who needed clothes, cleaning supplies and places to stay."

Sullivan called the experience "life-changing."

"The rewards will be greater than what you could imagine," Sullivan said.

His volunteering started on a Friday afternoon when he drove to St. Louis to pick up one of the guest speakers. He returned to Sikeston around 2:30 a.m. Saturday and arrived at Hope Epidemic at 6 a.m. His volunteer work wrapped up around 1 p.m., Sullivan said.

"It was a long day but well worth it," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said when he arrived at the event that day, there was a "to do" list volunteers could choose from. He said he helped with several tasks, including getting food, helping the children from Job Corps in Puxico and visiting with others who needed someone to listen.

"It's about the community," Sullivan said. "It's about showing people that they're not on their own. There are people who care and who are willing to help.

"And when you care only about yourself, you can't do anything good for your community."

Those who would like to join the effort, can visit hopeepidemic.org or call 573-421-1824. The first 1,000 volunteers to register will receive a free Hope Epidemic T-shirt.