CONGREGATION MEMBERS JOIN TO HEAL THEIR STREETS.

Byline: Holly Edwards and Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

Gospel singers belted out upbeat spirituals, children screamed on dizzying carnival rides, and thousands of people lined up for grocery bags filled with free food Saturday as the second day of the Heal Our Streets block party got under way.

Organized by a community outreach ministry of the New Christ Memorial Church, the event was designed to help heal community problems through fellowship, prayer and celebration, said Martha Graham, one of the leaders of the event.

``People are broken here, they're on welfare, they're frustrated. We have a domestic violence and a gang problem,'' Graham said. ``This is a way for people to come together, to get some ministry and have some fun. There is a need for people to realize they don't have to be on the street and they don't have to be hungry.''

Andrae Crouch, an eight-time Grammy winner and pastor of the Vaughn Street church, said he hopes those attending come away from the church's sixth annual block party with a sense they are loved and cared for.

``We're really excited about what we are doing and pray this excitement will never leave, because these are diamonds in this Valley, and we're out to find them,'' Crouch said earlier as the group prepared for Saturday's event.

Throughout the free, two-day event, about 50 tons of food the church purchased from Feed the Children and Children's Hunger Fund were given away to needy residents, local senior centers and emergency shelters, Graham said.

Hundreds of crates of Cheez-It crackers, canned vegetables, bread and household supplies surrounded the church Saturday afternoon, still waiting to be picked up.

On Saturday, Crouch's sister, who serves as assistant pastor of the church, organized a spirited basketball game during the party that pitted the North Hollywood High School girls' team against boys from Verdugo Hills High.

As she sat on the sideline cheering for the girls, Sandra Crouch said she hoped the event would promote a sense of unity among a diversity of people.

``These kinds of events show people we can really get along,'' said Crouch, pointing out that the block party drew attendees of all races and backgrounds. ``People feel like someone really cares about them when they come here, and they realize there are things they can do to make a difference.''

More than 1,000 people were expected to show up Saturday night for the party's finale, a concert in the church, she said, and about 100 volunteers were waiting to provide them with the donated goods.

``People come here and they see they don't have to do illegal things to get what they need,'' Graham said. ``The whole goal is to reach people on a spiritual level.''

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The highlight of the Heal Our Streets block party at New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ is the San Fernando community food giveaway, plus the entertainment, vendor booths, rides and games.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer