Story and photos by Greg Miley, Speakin’ Out News staff writer/photographer
The Huntsville Community came together on Saturday, July 24, 2021, to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies and food via a drive thru. The event was held on the Huntsville campus of Calhoun Community College and was from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Kenny Anderson, event organizer and Multicultural Affairs Officer for the city of Huntsville, stated that over 500 backpacks and 40,000 pounds of food were distributed. Community Awareness For Youth (CAFY) worked with the backpack distribution. CAFY is celebrating its’ 10th year of service to the Huntsville community.
CAFY founder, Dr. Harry Hobbs, was one of the volunteers at the event. Refuge Church and their Senior Pastor Jason Parks provided the logistics and support for the food distribution, Janson Communications provided the financial support for the food. Several volunteers and groups took part this year, including Huntsville City Parks and Recreation Department, Huntsville City Schools, Calhoun Community College, Huntsville Community Drumline, WHRP, 94.1 FM radio station, and various church groups.
Last year, the event was canceled due to COVID-19. The hope is that next year the event will return to its standard format of in-person events. Anderson thanked all who made this year’s event a huge success.