Youngstown City School District’s second annual Back-to-School Kick-Off & Book Bag Giveaway

August 11, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Starting a new school year with the necessary supplies – and positive connections – goes a long way toward increasing a student’s chances for academic success and making good choices, a community leader contends.

“People and relationships are what changes behavior,” Guy Burney, coordinator of the City Initiative for Reducing Violence effort, said during a news conference Monday to announce the Youngstown City School District’s second annual Back-to-School Kick-Off & Book Bag Giveaway.

The free event is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Covelli Centre on East Front Street in downtown Youngstown and is open to the families of students in kindergarten through Grade 12.

An estimated 1,500 book bags are expected to be given away, up from last year’s figure of about 1,000, noted Yvonne Mathis, the district’s public-relations and communications director.

The bags will contain pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks and other supplies, Mathis said.

In addition to providing free school items, the community effort will show many recipients and their families that they’re loved and that others care for them, said the Rev. Rafael Cruz Jr., pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Boardman.

“A lot of kids feel they have no self-worth. We want the families to know they’re valuable and that we’re glad to serve them,” added the Rev. Mr. Cruz, who’s also part of NOW Youngstown, a faith-based organization that hosts rallies and other events to try to transform some of the city’s high-crime areas.

To volunteer, make a donation or drop off supplies, call Heart Reach Ministries at 330-744-2000.

Another goal is to fight poverty and give the students an added advantage toward achieving success in the classroom and beyond, said Steven A. Stohla, interim superintendent.

Far too many of the district’s estimated 5,100 students come to school hungry, which is a major factor that interferes with their ability to learn, Stohla said.

The free supplies also will allow families to spend money on other essential needs such as shoes and clothing, noted Brenda Kimble, Youngstown Board of Education president.

Making additional remarks was Madonna Chism Pinkard, director of community relations for 21 WFMJ-TV/WBCB Television.

Also available at the giveaway will be information on educational programs in the district, as well as law-enforcement personnel to process and distribute child-identification kits.