By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The fourth annual back to school backpack giveaway in memory of Chief Leon Smith, Sr., was held Saturday at the Coosada Community Center. This FREE event was hosted and sponsored by Councilman Roosevelt Watkins, Jr.. Another sponsor for the event was General Manager Jason Wilson with Capital Chevrolet.
Around 600 FREE backpacks were given to children and families at the event. School supplies were also provided as well. There was food, drinks, sno cones, and water slides for all to enjoy. Kenny Bates, a barber, gave FREE back to school haircuts to all the children as well. Coosada police cars, fire trucks, and the Haynes Life Flight Helicopter were on display for children to explore. A raffle drawing was held at the end for gift cards that were graciously donated by Debra Ziegler.
DJ Nia Rogers did an outstanding job putting on music for the children and adults to dance enjoy. Ballroom specialist Kim Hall with Kreative Moments made flowers, swords, and many other items out of balloons. Terrell Young brought out the huge, inflatable water slides for cooling off on a hot day.
“Today was a great day and the kids were full of energy and lots of smiles,” said Councilman Watkins.
He continued, “This event is one that I enjoy each and every year. We plan on making it bigger next year. A special thank you to the planning committee for this event. Also, thank you to the many volunteers to help make this a success. This is the 4th year we commemorate the late Leon Smith, Sr. Thanks to everyone that came out and for making this event a success. Coosada is a small town with lots of great people. We have a few more events coming up which will be announced at a later date.”
This event is held on the first Saturday in August each year.
“I want to thank everyone for showing their support for this back-to-school event,” said Chief Leon Smith, Jr. He is the son of the late Coosada Police Chief, and took over the role after his father’s passing.
He continued, “I want to give a special thank you to Haynes Ambulance for their support. This event is geared directly towards our kids in the community. We want the kids to have the tools they need to make this upcoming school year a success.”
If you would like to volunteer for future events, please call the Town of Coosada at 334-314-0198. Coosada Community Center is located at 577 Pecan Grove Road.
