For the 17^th year, the annual “Restoring the Neighbor Back to the Hood” Festival will host a free backpack giveaway and celebration at 2243 Ferry Park in Detroit from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017.

Launched by activist, author and educator, Detroit native Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur, the celebration has become one of the west side community’s most popular summer events. This year’s program features live entertainment, free snacks, face-painting and activities for children, and more.

“It’s one of the highlights of the season for me,” says Shakur, a noted community leader and past nominee for Steve Harvey’s Neighborhood Awards. “The opportunity to give to our city’s youth is something we should all experience.”

Volunteers are still needed and financial donations to support “Restoring the Neighbor Back to the Hood” can be made to the website www.yusefshakur.org. In addition to youth activities, a Neighborhood Health Fair will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., to provide free blood pressure screenings and mammograms. Hosted by Mic Larry, live entertainment will be provided by the band, Circle of Sound.

For more information, or to volunteer, call (313) 459-6008 or e-mail yusefshakur@yahoo.com.

  backpacks for kids, Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur