Convoy of Hope helps thousands

Tampa, Florida - There was definitely excitement in the air.

Nothing feels better than giving, especially during an economy where so many people are in need.

"We want people to know that we care about them. There's hope," volunteer Jerry Arp told us at the Florida State Fairgrounds Saturday.

It's called the Convoy of Hope, offering families exactly what they need -- free groceries, free health screenings, even free family portraits.

Roughly 9,000 families were expected to attend the Convoy of Hope fellowship Saturday where a chance to connect made all the difference.

Arp told us, "There are a lot of people that are hurting and we're just trying to make a difference. Just to make a statement that we stand together."

The International Ministry Convoy of Hope knew it was time to reach out in Tampa Bay and the families loved it.

To learn more about the Convoy of Hope, click here.

One mother told us as she gathered groceries in her hands, "Thank you, baby, may God Bless you."

The health check-ups are what many children needed the most. Arp was pleased that so many mothers brought their kids to get help. "People can connect, from doctors and nurses to dieticians, to gold star army wives of veterans and family of veterans."

The Brandon Assembly of God organized the event. "They've been very friendly and that's very unusual when you go to a big gathering like this, to find everyone greet you with a smile and say, 'Hi, [how are] you doing?'" one mother told us.