Some of the backpacks donated for the 2015 event — donations for the 2016 event on Aug. 19 are still being welcomed.
Anticipation is building for the 4th Annual Coatesville Back to School Event on Friday, Aug. 19 from 3-6 pm at Scott Middle School at 800 Olive Street in Coatesville.
The community-wide effort is implemented by over 100 volunteers and 13 local organizations including the Coatesville Area School District, Bridge Academy and Community Center, City of Coatesville, Coatesville Center for Community Health, Coatesville Soup Kitchen, Coatesville Police Department, Coatesville Youth Initiative, 50/50 L.G. Entertainment, County Corrections Gospel Mission, Pennsylvania State Police, The Movement, United Way of Chester County and YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
“Donations of school supplies, book bags and gift cards are still needed”, states committee member Jordan Crans, Executive Director of the Bridge Academy and Community Center. “The day unites churches, individuals, agencies, and civic-minded businesses with a desire to provide book bags filled with school supplies for preK-12th grade children in the Coatesville Area School District. 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.”
In 2015, smiles, excitement, and laughter filled the Coatesville community as 1,500 book bags were distributed and new uniforms were provided to 50 children after the event, far exceeding the committee’s goal. “But our aim was more than to provide book bags for students”, explains Chaya Scott, 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 serves to connect families with valuable resources; providing an opportunity for students to interact with teachers and administrators from the Coatesville Area School District and connect with great community organizations. Hot dogs, sno cones, face painting, a moon bounce, free haircuts and other entertainment will also be offered free-of-charge.
Collection boxes and event flyers are available by request and supplies are due no later than Friday, August 12. Box locations for drop off include: The Bridge Academy and Community Center (570 Olive Street, Coatesville), Coatesville Youth Initiative (545 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville), Chester County Library (450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton), United Way of Chester County (211 N. Walnut Street, West Chester), YMCA of Greater Brandywine (295 Hurley Road, Coatesville), Chester County Public Safety Training Campus (137 Modena Rd, Coatesville) and Quik-Stop Pharmacy (3506 Lincoln Hwy, Thorndale). For more information, please visit the event website at www.Coatesvillebacktoschool.org or contact Chaya Scott at (610) 380-0200 x. 202
