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Bradshaw refutes stolen valor claims IQCfll, 12fl The Official Legal Organ of DeKalb County, GA. Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doravllle, Dunwoody, Lithonla, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain. OO0 thechampionnewspaper.com heCHAMPION ist Place General excellence Award winner Georgia Press Association 'Better Newspaper Contest’ 2007, 2009-2016 SECTION A: VOL 26 NO. 6 AUG. 4-10,2016 500 Back to school celebrated in Redan Boys & G/r/s Club and local businesses partner for school supplies drive by R. Scott Belzer sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com F or most of the day on July 26, Redan Recreation Center was a scene of celebration. The center, located at 1869 Phillips Road in Lithonia, hosted a Back to School 2016 event featuring a school supplies giveaway, food and drinks, games, dancing, guest speakers and performances from local artists. More than 200 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to students in need courtesy of Colour U Cosmetics, Walmart and Ladies With Vision. Brandon Riley, executive director of East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, said the event was a culmination of the center’s summer camp. He also said it was an overall celebration of the end of the summer season for 165 students heading back to school. “I’m from the neighborhood—I actually grew up a block away—and it meant the world to me to bring something back to the community,” Riley said. “This is a great sendoff for all of our parents. It’s not a lot, but this is a start. We’re preparing our kids for the next level.” Karen Stallings, CEO of Colour U Cosmetics at Stonecrest Mall and other locations, said she wanted to work with Boys & Girls Club because her now 31-year-old son is a proud product of the organization. “I was a single mom and he was at the Boys & Girls Club. They kept him in a safe environment. He was able to enjoy different activities and learn social skills,” Stallings said. “When I come to Georgia I see a lot of children who need things. I’m just glad Colour U could be a part of this and give back.” Stallings’ workers have been fundraising every day since May to ensure the backpacks were purchased and filled. She said the Boys & Girls Clubs has worked A backpack giveaway took place at Redan Recreation Center benefitting the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, coinciding with a back-to-school celebration. wonders in her own life and she was happy to return the favor. “You don’t need to wait until Boys & Girls Club has a giveaway event to contribute,” Stallings said. “You can make a donation any time and they are more than appreciative.” Riley said the giveaway coincided with the summer camp’s theme of “My Life Matters,” where attending children were encouraged that their life is important to the future. A choir and dance performance from Encore and Unison, respectively, carried the same theme. “Right now, we’re in a tough situation with a lot of African- See Redan on Page 5A Boys & Girls Club at Redan Recreation Center celebrated the end of summer camp with a back-to-school celebration featuring performances and games. O' CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS ^CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER 64116 1