For the fifth year in a row, Redemption Outreach Church and the Russellville Dream Center are working together to host Roc the Lot, set for Sloss Lake from 2-8 p.m. July 21.

Roc the Lot is an outreach event for the children in the community, according to Pastor Shawn Reathford.

“It’s the heartbeat of the Dream Center and the church. We are separate entities, but we work together to give back to our kids and our community,” Reathford said.

The first year of the event, 50 backpacks were given to children in the community. This year, Reathford said they have 500 backpacks – and nearly $5,000 worth of school supplies to go with them.

“We noticed the need in the community and wanted to come up with a way to make these things available for those who don’t readily have access to them,” Reathford explained. “This – outreach – is what we love to do.”

Registration for the backpacks will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. Children must be present and registered, complete with an armband, to receive a backpack and supplies. Kindergarten through 12^th graders are eligible for the school supply giveaway.

Reathford said about 3,000 people attended Roc the Lot last year.

Inflatables, live entertainment, food vendors and arts and craft booths will be present again this year, but there are also some new additions to the event. There will be a rock climbing wall, for those who wish to test their abilities, as well as pony rides. An air evacuation helicopter will also make an appearance and touch down in one of the ball fields so children can get a first-hand look.

Cooling tents will be available for attendees to take a break from the harsh summer heat.

Live entertainment will begin at 3 p.m. Shannon Knight, CC Jags and PJ Winston will perform leading up to the headliner Austin French, a contemporary Christian artist, who will take the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Dream Center at 256-332-4732. They will be having a packing day to fill the 500 backpacks with supplies July 18.