Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
CYI prepares for annual Coatesville Back to School event
Coatesville area students can receive free school supplies; donations needed
COATESVILLE » Event organizers are seeking more donations for the fifth annual Coatesville Back to School event.
The event is set for Friday, Aug. 4 from 3-6 p.m. at Scott Middle School at 800 Olive Street in Coatesville. Committee member Jordan Crans, who serves as the executive director of the Bridge Academy and Community Center, said donations of school supplies, book bags and gift cards are still needed.
“The day unites churches, individuals, agencies, and civic-minded businesses with a desire to provide book bags filled with school supplies for pre-kindergarten and 12th grade children in the Coatesville Area School District,” Crans said. “We’ve been fortunate each year to have community organizations hold collection drives for the event, and our hope is that readers will again organize efforts to help offset our costs.”
Event organizers noted that 1,500 book bags were distributed in 2016, far exceeding the committee members’ goal.
“But our aim was more than to provide book bags for students,” said Chaya Scott, who is the executive director of the Coatesville Youth Initiative. “Our collaborative formed to create a day of celebration where students are empowered to begin the school year with all of the tools to help them succeed.”
The day also connects families with valuable resources, provides an opportunity for students to interact with teachers and administrators from the Coatesville Area School District and enables attendees to connect with community organizations.
Hot dogs, snow cones, face painting, a moon bounce, free haircuts and other entertainment will also be offered at no charge. The community-wide effort is implemented by more than 100 volunteers and 13 local organizations including the Coatesville Area School District, Breathe Partners, Bridge Academy and Community Center, Coatesville Center for Community Health, City of Coatesville, Coatesville Kids to College, Coatesville Soup Kitchen, Coatesville Police Department, Coatesville Youth Initiative, County Corrections Gospel Mission, Hutchinson U.A.M.E. Church, United Way of Chester County, and YMCA of Greater Brandywine.