“We want to help them with school supplies, and we want to show them we love them and Jesus loves them.”

That’s how Maegan Burks describes the mission behind ROC the Lot, a community event returning July 21.

ROC the Lot is hosted by Redemption Outreach Church, where Burks is the children’s church director. She said the sixth annual event is sure to be a positive, upbeat experience for families that attend.

“My big thing is to reach the kids – the ones that need help,” Burks said. “This is why we are doing it. That’s our heart here at the Dream Center and at the church.”

This year’s ROC the lot will see a change of venue. In previous the festival-type event has been held at Sloss Lake, but this year the party is moving downtown in front of the Dream Center, which is affiliated with the nearby church.

“We just downsized it a little bit, and we’re down here where the Dream Center is and everything so people can see what’s going on here where we are,” explained Jaci Hogeland, donations coordinator for the Dream Center who is help coordinating ROC the Lot with Burks.

ROC the Lot will be held from 5-8 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music and inflatables as well as free school supplies.

Each child present at the event who registers will receive a backpack stuffed with items like notebooks, paper and pencils. Backpacks will sport age-appropriate logos for the church’s youth programs. Burks said children must be present to receive a backpack, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Shannon Knight and P.J. and Bobby Winston will provide music for the evening, as will worship teams from the church.

“You’re definitely going to enjoy some great music,” Burks said. “Kids get to play in the inflatables while the parents and adults are getting to enjoy the music and the atmosphere of getting to know the Russellville Dream Center and Redemption Outreach Church.”

Outreach, Hogeland added, is really the name of the game.

“We go out and help the community. We do a lot of outreaches in the community, just to help out to give back,” said Hogeland. “We feel like doing stuff like this is giving back to the community,” – giving back, she added, in recognition of all the ways the community has given to the Dream Center.

The road in front of the Dream Center will be blocked from Lawrence Street to the alley beside the Dream Center from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. so families can safely ROC the Lot. Rawhide Barbecue of Lauderdale County and Black Sheep Coffee of Moulton will be on hand to sell tasty treats, and Hogeland said popular tea bombs will also be on the menu. A couple of the nearby restaurants downtown might offer specials.

“This is a big deal, and even though we’re moving it downtown, we still think we’re going to have a big turnout down here,” Hogeland said.  “It’s something fun for the kids and gives them something to do.”

Hogeland said local and regional businesses have donated to support the giveaway and sponsor the costs the event.

For more information, find the event page on Facebook.