THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The seventh annual Back to School Fest, sponsored by Calhoun Foods, is set for this Saturday. Organizers say its not too late to assist in making it a bigger success.

What started as a give-a-way in front of the Jeff Davis Avenue supermarket had to be moved to Bloch Park due to its growth. The store’s annual drive gets underprivileged children off to a good start for the school year by &8220;making sure they have pencils, paper, notebooks and back packs.&8221;

The Back to School Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bloch Park. A parent must accompany children, organizers said.

Calhoun Foods is among several local entities that provide opportunities for those in need, since costs to prepare a child for school at the start of the year can be several hundred dollars &045; each.

Area churches have assisted with other programs. Tabernacle of Praise Outreach Ministry gave out school supplies on Saturday during a youth conference, joined by Westwood Baptist, West Village and Platinum Souls.

Tabernacle Baptist Church also passed out school supplies the latter part of last week.

Coley Chestnut, project director of the Alabama Unified Prevention System’s All Stars Program, will be joining with

Calhoun Foods. The organization is giving away book bags, Seroy said.

&8220;We’re also accepting uniforms. If your child has uniforms that are in good condition, and they can’t wear them or they’re moving on to another school, give them to us.