This Teen Fun Night in Topeka will feature an open gym, movies, music games and food

Teenagers in Topeka will soon have the chance to enjoy a Teen Fun Night hosted by One Topeka Family Coalition.

The celebration will be from 6 to 10 p.m. May 11 at Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 S.E. 21st St.

Longtime community leader and founder of One Topeka Family Coalition, Curtis Pitts said having such community events has long been important in an effort to keep teenagers away from violence.

Pitts said this is the 11th gathering for teens.

"It's so important that we keep promoting positive opportunity for our kids," Pitts said. "Everybody always talks about what we should do and when we get serious, they always disappear."

What events will occur during Topeka's Teen Fun Night?

The event will include an open gym, a movie showing, music, game room and food — as well as a possible entertainer. Law enforcement will be on site.

"We just try to catch them early and make sure the ones who want a place to go hang out, they can come and hang out," Pitts said.

For parents who allow their child to attend, they can register their child at www.naaausa.com.

Volunteers needed to assist during Teen Fun Night

Pitts said more volunteers are needed to assist in chaperoning the teenagers.

Snacks of all kinds are also needed to ensure every teen has the chance to receive one.

More:Kansas schools can now claim current enrollment after addressing shrinking districts fears

"You have to keep something constantly going for the kids, otherwise we'll lose them to the streets," Pitts said.

To learn more about how you can volunteer, call 785-304-8547.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.