Barnes Branch YMCA, PARA To Host Two-Day Back To School Event

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) announced this week that it will collaborate with Mind Changers to host Westside Community Weekend. The two-day event, held Aug.7-8, will focus on health and wellness, in addition to getting families and students ready to go back to school.

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Both events are free and will be open to the public.

Mind Changers CEO Rodney Pelt, Sr. said this year marks the organization's seventh, as he pointed out the growth of initiatives “Operation Backpack”

"This event is a family-friendly opportunity for our community to come together in support of a great cause," he said. "Having a relationship with Amazon this year is huge! We are appreciative of all our sponsors coming together to help present a huge event for the betterment of our students and community. We look forward to building more bridges across the West Alabama community.”

PARA's Director of Community Outreach Jay Logan said PARA will host the event at Freeman Park and Pool on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"It is part of the PARA mission to support exciting opportunities," he said. "The fact we have a global reach with Amazon this year truly speaks to positive community efforts being recognized. We are beyond happy to join an awesome group of sponsors for the benefit of our local students’ educational, physical and social health and wellness as well as their families.”

The event at Freeman Park and Pool will feature swimming, a school supply giveaway while supplies last, coronavirus testing and vaccines, food and more.

On Aug. 8 at 8:30 pm, the YMCA Barnes Branch, located at 2939 18th Street, will host a movie night, featuring "Soul." Attendees are asked to bring their own blanket, lawn chair and bug spray to enjoy the outdoor movie.

Free refreshments will be provided and Catch A Taste food truck will be available for purchase.

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