Volunteers fill bookbags ahead of Saturday giveaway

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

alcorn@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

The work and fun and satisfaction of filling 1,500 brand new, colorful book bags with school supplies, an event one of the 50-plus participants described as “organized chaos,” was Tuesday at Trinity Fellowship Church.

The pay-off comes Saturday at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown when excited kids from elementary and junior-senior high school receive the bookbags packed with school supplies such as binders, folders, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, index cards and other items needed for their first day of school.

“When we see not only children, but parents, get excited, you know the bookbags and their contents are appreciated,” said the Rev. Rafael Cruz, pastor of Unity Baptist Church.

“Some of the families are struggling financially, and the bookbags and school supplies are a big help,” the Rev. Mr. Cruz said.

Saturday’s bookbag event is a joint project of NOW Youngstown, an interfaith outreach effort to promote peace in the city; Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) and Youngstown City Schools, which provides the school supplies and the tents. The churches provide the bookbags, refreshments, music and games.

Saturday’s activities at the Covelli Centre includes a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and several speakers, including Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally and Police Chief Robin Lees, said Pastor Cruz, a 1979 graduate of East High School.

People participating in filling the bookbags were hot and sweaty and smiling.

“I’m sharing the love of God,” said Cyndi Amedia of Canfield.

People of all ages helped the effort.

Darshon White, 16, an East High student, unzipped the bags preparing them to be filled.

“I think it’s amazing how God is blessing the children and we are blessed also to be able to give them this wonderful gift. I hope this brings the community closer together and encourages more people to reach out and help,” said Francine Vazquez of Boardman, a member of Unity Baptist Church.

Mary and Ryan Story of Boardman, associated with Highway Tabernacle, brought their children, Olivia, 7, and Eli, 5, to Tuesday’s event.

“We wanted to do it as a family and give back to the community,” said Mary.

“We want to share Christ’s love and help in the community,” said the Rev. A.J. Platt, pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church.

Pastor Platt said the bookbag event is connected to the NOW Youngstown Increase the Peace rallies conducted weekly throughout the summer in high-crime areas to try to bring peace to the city.

Police have said there was a 62 percent reduction in crime in the areas during the Peace rallies, said Pastor Cruz.