City of Laurel hosts first ever community pop-up event, organizer has high hopes for community

LAUREL, Del. – Community members went to Laurel for an afternoon of finding resources and connecting with their neighbors.

Organizer of the first annual community pop-up, Corie Priest, said the event was much needed.

“I feel like I’m accomplishing something. The Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office is accomplishing something in the neighborhood that needs us the most,” Priest said.

Priest worked hard for the last few months to bring the event to Carvel Gardens in Laurel. Recognizing the dire need for various resources, he wanted to meet community members where they are.

“Many times, service providers and organizations want the community to come to them. Sometimes, we really just say, ‘let’s come out of the office and meet the community where the people are living at,” Priest said.

Mental and physical health resources were just a few of the offerings at the event. But one local organization really showed up and showed out for residents.

“The Food Bank of Delaware has been a phenomenal resource for our communities, especially when we’re thinking about trying to end hunger,” Priest said. “When we’re thinking about some of our most vulnerable families who struggle to get groceries, the groceries are astronomical in the food markets, and to bring the Food Bank of Delaware out here for people, to tap into this resource, it might save money.”

Putting an emphasis on education, Laurel mayor, John Schwed, encouraged families at the event to seek the necessary support for a brighter future.

“How can we focus on families, to focus on careers for their young people? Whatever that career might be, a good mechanic, or a doctor, or a lawyer, we want to make sure we’re working with our schools,” mayor Schwed said.