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Huntsville Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to host Back to School event

Published on June 14, 2024

Students and families who need a little extra help before the start of the next school year are invited to the annual Community Awareness for Youth (CAFY) Back to School event.

A graphic promoting a backpack and school supply giveaway

The event, hosted by CAFY and the City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) in partnership with Calhoun Community College, Huntsville City Schools, Refuge Church, One Generation Away and Huntsville Parks & Recreation, is Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at Calhoun Community College, 102 Wynn Drive, Huntsville.

The goal is to support students ages 12-18 by ensuring they are well-equipped for the 2024-2025 school year by providing free backpacks and school supplies. In addition, Refuge Church and One Generation Away will offer free drive-thru groceries to families, with one allocation per vehicle, while supplies last.

Various exhibitors will be on-site providing valuable resources for students and families. Attendees can also enjoy music, inflatables and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families and students to receive much-needed food and school supplies before the new school year begins. The CAFY event is a fantastic way to start the year off right, with a mix of essential support and some fun thrown in for good measure.” — Kenny Anderson, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Stuff the Bus events

Ahead of the Back to School event, CAFY will host Stuff the Bus events on Saturday, June 29, and Saturday, July 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walmart locations

  • 2200 Sparkman Drive NW, Huntsville
  • 3031 Memorial Pkwy. SW, Huntsville
  • 6140A University Drive NW, Huntsville
  • 8650 Madison Blvd., Madison
  • 330 Sutton Road, Owens Cross Roads

Dollar General locations

  • 2340 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville
  • 4120 Triana Blvd. SW, Huntsville
  • 2806 Holmes Ave. NW, Huntsville
  • 4710 University Drive NW, Huntsville
  • 2301 Meridian St. N, Huntsville

Target locations

  • 2750 Carl T. Jones Drive SE, Huntsville
  • 6275 University Drive NW, Huntsville

Office Depot

  • 2306 Memorial Pkwy. SW, Huntsville

Staples

  • 9032 Memorial Pkwy. SW, Huntsville

About CAFY

Community Awareness for Youth is an annual initiative managed by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for students ages 12-18 in Huntsville and Madison County. This program equips young people with the essential tools for a successful transition into adulthood, focusing on four pillars of success: health, education, careers and finances.

Besides the annual Back-to-School event, CAFY honors outstanding students at City Council meetings. Sponsors provide invaluable networking opportunities, connecting youth with local organizations that offer mentoring, guidance and program assistance.

For more information, visit the CAFY Facebook page.

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