By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
On Sunday, the second annual FREE back to school event was held at Crenshaw Park in Wetumpka. Over 150 students of Elmore County came out to pick up FREE book bags, school supplies, T-shirts, food, get haircuts and much more.
Children enjoyed the playground, inflatables and basketball with their friends. SnoBiz was on site and the first 50 children enjoyed FREE sno-cones, courtesy of Judge Bill Lewis.
Chris Foster was the live DJ for the event. There were two local Barbers on site, Montavious Smoke and Donald Kendrick, who made sure the students are looking sharp for school. A couple of talented hair stylists, LaBrasha Elmore and Shaitavia George, braided hair for the children for the perfect style for school.
Children had a great time dancing to some great music, playing games, and enjoying some delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and the most delightful sno-cones on a sunny day. This event takes place on the first Sunday of August each year.
“Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers for helping make our 2nd annual back to school event a success,” said Elmore County Commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson for District 5.
She continued, “Thank you to the students and parents as well! If you participated in any way of spreading the word of the event to the children of Elmore County, we thank you! When you have community leaders, churches and organizations unite like we did today for our children, success is inevitable. We had over 150 students come out and enjoy themselves today and collect supplies they needed for their school year, at no costs to them. By providing the students with supplies, a T-shirt and a nice hair cut or style, we are hoping that they know we care about their academics and success and that they are not alone on their journey! You never know what someone’s adversity may be, and we want them to return to school feeling ready and complete! We want all students focused on the MOST important thing which is acquiring an education so they can become successful and knowledgeable leaders in the future. We wish all students a great and safe school year.”
Elmore County School Board member Wendell Saxon said, “At Sunday’s back to school event held at Crenshaw Park with various community partners provided many school supplies, food, fun, haircuts for boys and hair styles for girls.”
He continued, “The event was a success on all levels, which was acknowledged by the appreciation of the students and parents. It was a pleasure to help sponsor the event and I’m looking forward to next year.”
Marsha Elmore-Dewhart said, “It’s all about seeing our kids happy and knowing that we are lighting the load for the parents is always the goal. All of them were so happy today, they didn’t care about the heat they played their little hearts out and that made me happy to know they were happy!”
A BIG Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers for the event:
Desirae Lewis Jackson- Elmore County Commissioner District 5
Marsha Elmore-Dewhart
Circuit Judge Bill Lewis, 19th Judicial Circuit, Alabama
Dr. Stephanie Lewis
Wendell Saxon
The Emanon Group
Pastor Jerry Humphrey and Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Robert Shuford and Mount Zion Missionary Church Crenshaw
Pastor Rickey Bowe and New Beginning Holiness Church
SnoBiz Wetumpka
Elmore County Civic Improvement League
Walter Lacey and Tamela Lacey
Simple Men (SSC)
Elmore County Family Resource Center, Inc.
Pastor Sylvia White and Holy Assembly of Jesus
Mahogany Chapter 002
Tiffany Sales
Chris Foster- DJ
Montavious Smoke- Barber
Donald Kendrick- Barber
LaBrasha Elmore- Hair Stylist
Shaitavia George- Hair Stylist
Crenshaw Park is located at 1371 Crenshaw Road in Wetumpka. Crenshaw Park will be closed from October 2, 2023 through April 2024 for construction improvements.
For more information about Crenshaw Park and its history, please visit https://www.elmoreco.org
You can also visit the Elmore County Commission Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/ElmoreComm
