City to cap event with Movie in the Park
One of last year’s Rock the Lot participants shows off her backpack of free school supplies. Supplies are given by Russellville Dream Center and Redemption Outreach Church as an outreach effort to the community.
By Alison James
alison.james@fct.wpengine.com
Russellville Dream Center and Redemption Outreach Church are combining school year prep with a day of fun by hosting the annual Rock the Lot event at Sloss Lake Saturday.
“We are a life-recovery program, but the heartbeat of the ministry is outreach,” said Chris Payne, youth pastor at Redemption Outreach Church and outreach director at Russellville Dream Center. “Our biggest heartbeat is giving back to the community.”
Rock the Lot, to be held from 5-8 p.m., is designed to help school-aged children, kindergarten through 12th grade – particularly those from low-income backgrounds – with needed school supplies. Hundreds of backpacks of schools supplies will be given away, and Payne said they will also have a couple giveaways for bigger backpacks of supplies and a girl bike and boy bike.
Last year, Payne said about 1,500 people came out for Rock the Lot, which, in addition to free school supplies, features free hotdogs, live music and other activities.
“They just enjoy coming out there and having a good time,” Payne said.
Parents do not have to prove need in order for their children to be eligible for the school supplies giveaway. However, children must be present to receive their backpack of supplies, and parents must register their children for the event, both for the grand prize drawings and for record-keeping purposes.
A special guest will also offer a Biblical message as part of Rock the Lot.
To wrap up the day of fun, Russellville Parks and Recreation will be hosting Movie in the Park. Postponed from earlier in July because of weather, the free movie at Sloss Lake will be a fun, family-friendly addition to Rock the Lot.
“I had talked to the guys at the Dream Center about teaming up and doing something together since they’re doing something positive for the community,” said Parks and Rec Director Chad Sears.
“Despicable Me 2” will begin at dusk, about 8:15 p.m. Sears said families should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available for sale.
Anyone with questions about Rock the Lot can call Payne at 256-332-4732.
