Aug 16, 2024

Bless Local 2024: A Day of Community, Compassion, and Connection

At Cobian, we believe in making a positive impact on our communities, and this year’s Bless Local event in partnership with Rhythm Church in Oceanside, CA, truly embodied that spirit. Now in its fifth year, Bless Local has grown to become one of the largest events in Oceanside, dedicated to supporting local families in need. This year’s event was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and compassion, and it has even inspired similar events across the nation.

Meeting Needs in a Fun and Dignified Environment

In these challenging times, many families are struggling, and the response to this year’s event highlighted just how great the need is. Families started lining up hours before the event began, and at one point, the line wrapped around the block. But for us, the true success of Bless Local is more than just meeting physical needs; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

One of the goals is to eliminate the “us & them” mentality and foster a sense of unity. By providing a fun and welcoming atmosphere, we saw people let their guard down, enjoy themselves, and experience the unconditional love of Jesus in a powerful way.

Growing Each Year

Thanks to the city’s support, Rhythm Church was able to expand the event’s footprint by closing down the street, which opened up a world of possibilities. One of the highlights of this year’s event was the addition of a "Nitro Circus" style skate and BMX demo featuring pro-skater Beaver Fleming. Watching Beaver’s gravity-defying tricks brought an exhilarating energy to the day, drawing cheers from attendees of all ages.

Another new feature was a 40-foot live art installation showcasing the talents of local street artists. The mural, bursting with color and creativity, became a symbol of the vibrant culture and unity within our community. Alongside this, we created a “Youth Lounge” area, specially designed for local youth. This space, complete with skate ramps, basketball courts, free snacks and drinks, a gaming area, and tons of giveaways, became a hub of activity and joy, offering young people a place to gather, have fun, and connect.

Highlights from the Day

This year’s Bless Local event was the most impactful yet, thanks to the efforts of over 200 volunteers and the generosity of partners. Here are some of the incredible ways we were able to bless the Oceanside community:

Nearly 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out—more than double the amount distributed last year!
$2,500 worth of gift cards were provided to help local families with their shopping needs.
Over 1,000 articles of new clothing were available in a "Free" shopping experience.
500 dental hygiene kits ensured families had the essentials for healthy smiles.
300+ pairs of shoes found new homes, helping kids step confidently into the school year.
Cobian donated 100 pairs of footwear, supporting those in need.
Nearly 100 free haircuts were provided by local barbers, giving kids a fresh start for the new school year.
4,000 pounds of groceries were distributed, easing the burden on families facing food insecurity.
Hundreds of diapers and wipes were given to families with young children.
400 free Chick-fil-A sandwiches, 300 free carne asada and chicken tacos, and 100 free donuts were served, ensuring no one went hungry.
Free pizzas, sunscreen, sunhats, water bottles, and more were given out throughout the day.

The Power of Prayer

Amid all the fun, food, and giveaways, there was also a deep spiritual impact. Dozens of people requested prayer, and our team was honored to stand with them, offering support, encouragement, and prayer. It’s moments like these that remind us of the greater purpose behind Bless Local—to show the love of Jesus in a tangible way.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Bless Local event, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who helped make it possible.

We’re also incredibly inspired by the fact that Bless Local has sparked similar events across the country. This model of integrating local vendors, artists, performers, brands, and organizations to create a unified effort is catching on, and we’re excited to see how this movement continues to grow.

At Cobian, we’re committed to walking alongside our community, providing support, and spreading love wherever we can. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event as we continue to bless, uplift, and unite the people of Oceanside and beyond.

Get Involved

If you’re inspired by the mission of Bless Local and want to make a difference, consider getting involved by volunteering or donating. You can support Rhythm Church in their ongoing efforts to help those in need by visiting this link. Your contribution can have a profound impact on the lives of families in our community.