With summer in full swing, communities are coming together, and Balm Church will host a block party at its East Campus this Saturday.

“We want to be visible for the community, and we want to just help out and give back,” said Bishop A.S. Hall Sr.

Balm Church has been in existence for 144 years, but the church last year expanded to its East Campus on East Washington Street.

“We just purchased this building in August, so we want to do something for the community,” Hall said.

The community will be able to bring their families, no matter the age, for games and food. All of the amenities at the party will be free to the community.

“We are going to have fun for all ages, like bounce houses, basketball and other different attractions,” Hall said.

Hall ensured that there will be funnel cake, because “everyone loves funnel cake.”

While there will be plenty of merriment to go around, the party will also feature free resources for the community to utilize.

“The other element that we wanted to do was provide information to the community, and so we have different businesses coming out,” Hall said.

There will be funeral homes, mental health professionals, barbers, home health care programs, and financial advisers to provide advice and other services.

Hall wants to have funeral homes there to provide help with wills and information concerning final arrangements.

“It’s important that people are prepared for that,” Hall said.

Medical screenings and immunizations will also be available for those attending.

Mental health professionals and shelters will be available to answer questions and provide information.

“We just really want to put something out there for the community and provide them with information and a fun day,” Hall said.

There will also be barbers at the event to provide free haircuts.

“We just want to give back and find ways to help, and a lot of people need haircuts. Three local barbers will be doing them for free,” Hall said.

This will be the first of what Hall hopes will be many block parties that Balm Church will hold for the community.

The event will be at Balm Church, 523 E. Washington St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30.

“We just want to bless the community,” Hall said.