Shaquita Curry has spent most of August working on the final details for an event that she hopes will help local families with back-to-school needs and encourage children to be at their very best this school year.

Curry worked Sunday from her home that she shares with her husband and five children.

The first Family Fun Day will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Stone Park and will provide fun with games, face painting and more, along with free school supplies and motivational speakers.

“My goal is to bring more positive things back to our community,” Curry said. “This will help them accomplish more positive attitudes, have less bullying in the school systems, more family time and provide a way for children to get to know others who they may see daily but never hold conversations with.”

Curry hopes to motivate students with educational speakers, along with visits with members of the police and fire departments. Ten boys and 10 girls will have a chance to win free haircuts or hairstyles. Other prizes available for children include several free kids’ meals supplied by local restaurants and free school supplies and backpacks.

“I want this event to build our community so our children know there are people that really care and we are here to help them overcome any problem or fear that they may have,” Curry said. “We must let our children know we believe in them and they can accomplish anything they want, just believe and follow their dream.”

Helping children

Curry said she decided to put on the event as a way to reach out to the community and help children get a good start for the school year.

“I’ve worked in the public school system before and I know that children get treated differently because of what they have and don’t have,” she said. “I am doing this event for the children of our community because they are important and they are our future.”

Curry said she reached out to other businesses to help her with the event and the response was overwhelming. Shipley’s Donuts, Louisiana Rub Down, The Exchange Club, B&P Catering Service, First Bite Winchester, Rebel Rags, Oxford Police Department, New Image Salon, New York Fashion, Oxford Fire Department, Amazing Images, Gail’s Final Touch, along with several restaurants, hair salons, local gospel groups, churches and individual sponsorship have all chipped in to help in several different ways.

Curry and her husband, Cal, own Curry’s Mobile Detail. Curry says God has blessed her family, so the couple wanted to share their blessings by giving back to their community.

“Without God giving me this vision and the ability to reach out to others for sponsorship the event would not be as grand,” she said. “I want each of the sponsors to know I really appreciate them, because they didn’t have to be so nice when asked to participate, and some of the businesses that will be giving back to the community are new to the Oxford area.”