A back-to-school tradition continues this weekend.
Since 1986, through sponsors, Shannon "Duck" Sims and his crew have provided school supplies and other essentials for children at the annual "Kids Day," which will be from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at Williams Park.
The idea for the program came about when Sims and some buddies were barbecuing and saw children at the park.
Sims credits sponsors for keeping it going as long as it has. Those sponsors are not only local, but include former residents who now live in California, Michigan and Georgia, among other states. Churches and ministers have played a big part in the success as well.
"The longevity of the program is because of the sponsors," Sims said. "We've got a lot of sponsors ... the sponsors foot the bill" for the kids to have an enjoyable afternoon and get much-needed items.
The school supplies, water, food and even items like bikes and other give-aways are much appreciated, he said.
"The individuals in this city overwhelm me with kindness," Sims said. "They trusted me and they trusted my program. They are the reason the program has been so successful in the city."
"A lot of people are coming together and making this day a success," he added. "You can see it in the eyes of all the children that's out there that they really appreciate it."
"Kids Day" features a variety of activities, speakers, food like burgers and hot dogs, and there are usually representatives from law enforcement and the fire department on hand.
Kids hear about fire safety and the importance of staying drug-free.
Healing in the Hood's Bebe Gillespie is one of the scheduled speakers this year. Sims noted his program is similar to Healing in the Hood in that the volunteers mentor and try to point young people in the right direction.
"We try to guide these kids to walk a straight line," Sims said, noting all events have been incident-free.
He said they try to steer children from violence and teach them to respect their elders.
"We reach out to those kids and try to make them understand and appreciate and respect," he said. "A lot of times they don't give respect to older people. But people in my program, staff members and myself, it seems like we get respect because of the things that we do."
"We've got young men in the city doing a great job with these young kids," he added, noting they give their time to coach and mentor the kids.
Sims said without those efforts, there would be more "bad news."
"On this day it's going to be good news," he said. "We're doing something for the children of the city of Blytheville."
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com