Alliance natives Jerrell Martin and Tru’Maine Neal started a tradition to give their communities fun and help prepare kids for back to school.
\r\nThe lifelong friends started the Community Day held at Thompson-Snodgrass park seven years ago- offering kids school supplies, haircuts, games and entertainment.
\r\n“We just wanted to do something in the community that was different and let the youth know they have our full support,” Martin said.
\r\nThey two pull their resources together and with the help of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Texas Roadhouse, Giant Eagle, Sanders Market, RL Xperience, Carnation Cuts and several friends and family members in the area to serve at least 200 kids per year.
\r\nThis year- just weeks before the event, Neal suffered from a stroke and is hospitalized at Akron Suma Hospital.
\r\nMartin said the event will still go on, as support has come in for Neal and the event, but he is still shook by the pain of seeing his best friend in poor medical condition.
\r\nThe two have many friends in the area and have used their platform, Martin as a DJ and Neal as the owner of Purple Plane clothing line, to bring attention to the event.
\r\nThe event will be held on Sunday, August 19 from 3-8 p.m. During that time free haircuts, hair braiding, manicures, face painting, entertainment, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, school supplies, food, music, string backpacks, t-shirts and more will be offered. To receive a haircut or school supplies register with Jerrell before the event at 330-371-0225.
\r\nA clothing drive will also offer free clothes during the event at the park from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Chelsea Minnich, a teacher at Parkway Elementary School, is in charge of the clothing collections which will take place through August 17.
\r\nTo learn more about the clothing drive contact Chelsea at cminnich@kent.edu.
\r\nThis year the Family Fun Day organizing team is prepared to serve 300 kids at the park. It’s all part of giving back to their community, Jerrell said.
\r\n“We just want to use our platform.”