By THEADORIS MORRIS / Staff Writer

The Clanton Police Department, the West End Community and Restoration Effort (W.E. C.A.R.E) and the West End Neighborhood Watch are joining forces this weekend to host an event for children of the West End Community and surrounding areas.

“Cops ‘N’ Kids” will be held at West End Park Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“The purpose of this event is to help W.E C.A.R.E rebuild the community and raise awareness,” said Clanton Police Officer Dewayne Driver. “It is a chance to get the youth involved and a chance to revitalize the community.”

The event will include: food, law enforcement equipment, a moonwalk, SWAT Team Gear, fire equipment, ambulance equipment and speakers from the West End Community and several guest speakers.

“We want to support any community organization that is working to improve their community,” said Chief Brian Stilwell. “And the West End Neighborhood Watch and ‘W.E. C.A.R.E.’ are working to do just that.”

Driver, worked with the two groups to help put on this event, and the Clanton Police Department hopes that it will become an annual event and become larger each year.

“We hope that members of the West End Community and anyone who wants to attend will come out and get involved in making our neighborhoods safer,” said Stilwell. “We encourage people to bring lawn chairs and plan for a enjoyable day in one of Clanton’s nicest parks.”