JARED DARWISH

jared.darwish@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

The non-profit organization Don’t Sleep will hold the sixth annual Summer Block Party for elementary students from Danville, Boyle County, Garrard County and Lincoln County schools.

The event, that provides children with free backpacks for the upcoming school year, will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at Millennium Park in Danville. There will be sign-up stations to receive help for school supplies such as backpacks and pens and pencils. Students will be given vouchers they can redeem for supplies on the first day of school.

The purpose of this back-to-school block party is to raise money to ensure students have what they need in the upcoming school year. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards helping these students in need which is why community engagement is crucial.

There also will be food vendors and games for the kids, said Rashea Ford, director of Don’t Sleep.

In May, Boyle County Fiscal Court approved $5,000 dollars in funding for the Don’t Sleep program to use at their yearly bash. The big block party has become somewhat of a staple in the Danville area as the festivities bring in 3,000 to 5,000 attendees per year.

The day will be full of fun events and activities for students of all ages to enjoy such as kickball and basketball tournaments. The event site will also be host to about 30 bouncy houses.

The non-profit organization has surpassed more than $25,000 in donations thanks to the charitable funds of organizations and private donors.