Del Ray barber Gary Bailey gives Tim Wiggins a haircut at a previous Community Kids Day. This year's back-to-school event will take place Aug. 27 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center and Brent Place Apartments. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
City organizations are partnering Aug. 27 at two locations for a Community Day to provide free backpacks and school supplies for boys and girls to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
The first event will be held at the Charles Houston Recreation Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 901 Wythe St. Free haircuts will be available as well as clowns, face painting, a DJ, popcorn and treats, public safety vehicles on display and Caring Angels Therapy Dogs.
In the West End, a Community Day will be held at Brent Place Apartments, 375 S. Reynolds St., from 2-4 p.m. In addition to backpacks and school supplies, a cookout will be held at this location.
Both events have been made possible by the following partners: Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue; City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation; Alexandria Fire Department; Alexandria Police Department; Alexandria Sheriff’s Office; Apple Federal Credit Union; Community Praise Church; and Whole Foods.
“We will be providing backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, clowns, face painting and other fun activities for the kids,” said City Councilman Will Bailey, a founder of the event. “A lot of these kids have not done much over the summer so not only are we preparing them for school but also giving them a day of fun.”