by Kaelyn Spickler,
Manager of Public Relations, Marketing, and Social Media
On Saturday, Oct. 23, the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority sponsored its second annual diaper bag drive and, this year, coupled the event with a trunk or treat at the Jamestown Place location.
The diaper bag drive is in honor of Amarah Lane, a 22-month-old who was killed by an abusive mother in August of 2018. The family packed over 60 diaper bags full of necessities like pacifiers, diapers, shampoo, clothing, and other essential items with the hope of helping families get started on the right track.
“With all that hurt I’ve been through, I wanted to build something positive,” Brenton Woody, Amarah Lane’s father, said. “It feels good to give back and I want to continue.”
This is the first year RRHA added a trunk or treat to the event to provide books, candy, and hands on learning experiences for over 75 Jamestown Place residents.
Families came out dressed as princesses, JoJo Siwa, superheroes and other fun costumes while visiting vendors including Family Service of Roanoke Valley, Roanoke City Public Libraries, United Healthcare, Build Smart Institute and Kids Soar. RRHA also provided books supplied by the BRE program and candy.
“RRHA is thrilled to be able to serve our community in this way and support such an incredible effort in the memory of Amarah Lane,” Melissa Gish, Jobs Plus Program Manager, said. “RRHA and the Jobs Plus program will continue to provide an intense level of support and community engagement and look forward to partnering with the many programs that supported the Jamestown Place Trunk-or-Treat.”
The fun continues this Saturday, Oct. 30, as RRHA partners with First Roanoke to host Community Day from 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. at Horton Park, 2500 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke.
