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BY LANCE GAITHER

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

On Saturday, Don’t Sleep Inc. held its annual Back to School Bash at Millennium Park in Danville.

“We have had a lot of volunteers come out to help,” said Don’t Sleep President Ra’shea Ford. “We had about 25 volunteers this morning. It is going good. I have just been walking around telling everybody thanks for coming.”

Throughout the day, Don’t Sleep gave out 150 backpacks and 120 water bottles donated by Joy Floyd.

Among the booths was the Danville Police Department showing off a cruiser and getting to know the kids.

“We are out here trying to be supportive,” Police Chief Tony Gray. “Anytime you can get the community together to have fellowship and educational opportunities, that is a good day.”

The event included games and inflatables along with numerous vendors doing raffles and giveaways, Keeping track of it all, was Don’t Sleep associate Arlene Morales.

“I’m checking people in different booths in and letting them know where they can set up.” Morales said. “I’m also giving out the raffle tickets, these raffles are free and we are giving away something every hour. All of the booths are doing giveaways. They just want a way to give back to the community.”

Morales believes the bash helps strengthen the community.

“My purpose for being here is community. It takes a village, I’m really strong about that,” Morales said. “I moved from New Jersey 17 years ago. This community has been my family and these people know that if they see my kids doing something they shouldn’t than can snatch them up or call me and let me know what is going on. I’m a real firm believer in it takes a village. In this day and age we need to look out for each other. Kids today need something to express themselves, and I think today can help them learn that and that there are people in the community outside of their family who care about them and want to see them do well in school and succeed.”