By Samantha Bolden | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Police Department plans to host its seventh annual Cops and Kids Day this upcoming Saturday at Bloch Park to get students prepared for school.

In partnership with the Council of Substance Abuse, Cops and Kids Day started in 2009 as a day when officers interact with children.

The department combined the Back to School Festival and Cops and Kids Day so it would be easier on parents instead of coming out to two different events. Supplies will be distributed to children in grades K-12 on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

“In our first year, the school systems were running out of supplies, and we started giving supplies to the schools,” said Lt. Natasha Fowlkes, organizer of the event. “After the first year, we’ve been giving supplies to students on a first come, first served basis.”

There will be free food, games, activities, skits, and inflatables for children.

Fowlkes said the event is not only good for the community, but it could also help in reducing crime.

“We want them to come out and get the necessary equipment that they need in order to have a successful school year,” Fowlkes said. “Children will be in their studies versus out in the streets committing crimes, so we want to make sure that we do our part to help them.”

Fowlkes said that approximately 1,000 backpacks will be distributed during the event. The department distributed around 1,500 bags last year.

Mesh backpacks filled with supplies will be distributed. Supplies include wide-ruled loose leaf paper, pencils, pens, crayons and more.

Students must be present in order to receive a backpack. Children will receive arm bands marked with a permanent black marker once they enter to ensure they receive a bag.

The event will be this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bloch Park, located at 108 Dallas Avenue. For additional information, contact Fowlkes at (334)874-5261 or (334)375-1554.