ALBANY, N.Y. — It's a neighborhood tradition, bringing people together in Arbor Hill: Saturday marked Metropolitan Baptist Church's annual Community Day.

As summer winds down, the church is making sure families have everything they need – from clothes to supplies – to start the new school year off right.

It's an annual community celebration, all about spreading love for neighbors. This year, the church says it's especially meaningful given the stretch of recent violence in the city. 

"It does help. When you get out and you involve yourself around more people in your community you know more people so, everybody together all the time, celebrating. Just enjoying life, that's what it should be about," said Albany resident Jowana Blunt. 

While these neighbors unite, many say there's still work to be done to fight violence. 

This was the 13th year of the event.