A major community event combining a toy and food drive, live music, and skateboarding will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Newport Skatepark on John H. Chaffee Blvd.
Omen’s Holiday Toy & Food Drive and Bowl Bash runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to all ages. Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring food or toy donations.
In addition to collecting toys on site, organizers will distribute free holiday meal bags containing a ham and sides, each intended to feed a family of four. The meals are available no questions asked, and sign-up is open until all slots are filled.
Those interested in receiving a meal can email their name and phone number to omen.meals@gmail.com. Pickup will take place at the skatepark between noon and 2 p.m.
The Providence Hells Angels will participate with an open pack ride, meeting at 11 a.m. with kickstands up at noon, and will bring a large collective donation of new toys for local families.
Live music begins at 1 p.m. with performances from hardcore bands Sue Pageant, Short Circuit, Jealous Mind and No Chain. Santa will also make an appearance.
David Morales, who is currently running for mayor of Providence, is expected to attend, along with potential appearances from professional skateboarders.
The event is supported by Cheyne Cousens, a key organizer behind fundraising and development of the Newport Skatepark. Earlier this year, Cousens facilitated a $25,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club through the Newport Skate Initiative.
All toys and food collected will be distributed directly to families at the skatepark, with additional donations going to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Conexion Latina Newport.
For more information or to sign up for a free holiday meal, email omen.meals@gmail.com.
