Akron School Helps The NeedyAKRON - For years Akron Elementary School has done something for needy families during the holidays.
This year, however, was the first time the school sponsored a "free garage sale."
According to co-organizer and Akron literacy coach Kristen Horrell, in the past, Akron would ask families with children in the free or reduced lunch program if they needed assistance for Christmas. Seeing a greater need this year in the community for assistance, the school decided to have a clothing and toy drive. During the month of November, students and the community brought in toys and clothes.Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., families needing assistance came to the school gym to pick up clothes and toys for the holiday. Akron staff even gift wrapped it if requested. From 2 to 3 p.m., the clothing then was made available to any families who did not have tickets distributed for the free garage sale.
The school wanted to make sure every family who needed assistance was able to get some. Four tickets per child had been distributed, but no one really counted. Horrell said they knew some families needed more assistance than others.
"A little girl gave up a ticket so her dad could have a coat," said Horrell. "A woman who recently lost her job came in and said she really appreciated the extra help."
Akron teachers and staff volunteered their time for the giveaway. They helped sort the items by size and sex, laid them out on the tables and gift wrapped the items.
Horrell said they expected to help 50 families Saturday. They had some families come in and ask for help, and they were not turned away.
Saturday was the only day for the event. If any items were left over, Horrell said they might give them to Head Start, the local day care or may save them for another day if a family becomes in need of clothing.
Horrell said Akron Elementary "absolutely" will want to do the event again next year.
Teachers took their students into the gym Friday so the students could see all that had been donated. Horrell said the students were amazed at the amount of the donations. They didn't know how much they had brought in.
"I think it's amazing at all the generosity the kids brought in," said co-organizer and counselor Deb Miller. "I'm thrilled we could help so many in the community."
Miller said she's been at Akron for eight years, and they've always done something for the needy families during the holidays. Saturday's event was a first though.
She said she was so grateful to everyone that contributed. She appreciated the staff who took time out of their own schedules to volunteer with the event. The community really supported it.
