Annual Stop the Violence/Back to School Rally

Alachua County families are invited to attend the 27th annual Stop the Violence/Back-to-School Rally on Saturday, July 25, at the Santa Fe College Northwest Campus gym in Gainesville. According to a press release from Alachua County Public Schools, the free event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with doors opening at 9 a.m.

Hosted by People Against Violence Enterprises (PAVE) with support from local sponsors, this year’s theme is “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” broadening the event’s longtime mission of violence prevention to include awareness of domestic violence.

The rally will feature entertainment, guest speakers and information from community organizations focused on safety, counseling and family support.

Representatives from Alachua County Public Schools will also be available to answer questions about:

• School enrollment
  Free school meals
  Transportation
  School calendars
  Other back-to-school resources

The first 5,000 school-aged children in attendance will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, courtesy of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. Children must be present to receive a backpack.