Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

The 5th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway at the Coosada Community Center was held on Saturday.

Over 350 attended the annual event in loving memory of Coosada Police Chief Leon Smith Sr., sponsored by Councilman Roosevelt Watkins Jr.

Free book bags, school supplies, food, drinks, water slides, and a rock climbing wall for all of the children to enjoy. Police and Fire trucks were onsite for static displays.

A child safe program table was set up for families to sign up for a no cost kit/app that works with Amber Alert and is designed to aid law enforcement in the event a child goes missing or is abducted.

Councilman Watkins passed out Chick-fil-A gift cards for each child in attendance as well. Over 400 bookbags were given away.

Councilman Watkins is the brother of the late Chief Leon Smith Sr. He has sponsored this event for many years to honor the Chief’s memory and long service to Coosada.

Watkins and his late brother shared a great vision for the children of the Coosada community. When Watkins brother passed away, Watkins decided to make the vision come alive, and started a backpack giveaway in 2020. Each year the backpack giveaway event has grown with new surprises added each year.

“This is a great event for the community to come together and have a good time,” said Watkins. “This event is a great part of me. My family looks forward to this event each and every year. Coosada is a great small town filled with good people. I just learned to stay focused and pray up. God has sent me a vision for the town of Coosada. Growing up here there wasn’t a lot to do for kids. I plan to get a team focused on that purpose. We need more events for kids. I’m asking for ideas and if you can call me direct, please reach out to our town clerk’s office at 334-285-3700.”

A special thank you goes to Councilman Anthony Powell for the Ranger Rock Climbing Wall, Zeta for the volunteer’s fraternity, Mrs. Mitchell, and to the Coosada Police and Fire Department.