Hundreds turn out for backpacks, activities at Arnold Back to School Bash

Hundreds of students and families turned out Saturday for a back-to-school bash at Roosevelt Park in Arnold, a joint effort of several community groups meant to help kids in the area prepare for the start of classes.

“It’s a way to give back to the community and ease the burden (and have) a fun day in the park in a safe environment,” said Donielle Owen, founder and director of the Youth Project, a New Kensington nonprofit that helps sponsor the event each year.

About 250 students turned out with their families last year, and this year’s event had enough supplies for 300.

The Youth Project’s Kelly Dillard pointed to the economic disparities in the region, particularly those experienced by families of color and those of lower socioeconomic status.

The backpacks and other supplies, she said, are a small way to ease some of the burden back-to-school season can have on families.

“It helps (kids) to feel just like everybody else — like they’re not lacking,” she said.

According to the National Retail Federations, families will spend an average of $864 on school-related items and supplies.

Students in the New Kensington-Arnold School District return to classes Monday.

Beth Carswell brought her 6-year-old, Sophia, to the event. She said they just moved to the area last year, and the supplies and outreach have been helpful.

“It’s also just a nice day for the kids,” she said.

Beyond the backpacks, representatives from Highmark Wholecare were on hand helping kids make their own smoothies and trail mix and offering Wii games to keep kids entertained and active.

UPMC and Career Link also participated, with the latter offering help to teens looking for weekend or after-school jobs.

Marlon J. Hutson came with his wife and son. He said, although his family lives in Pittsburgh, his wife works in the New Kensington area, and they decided to make it a family outing.

Hutson and his son, Darius Lacy, who will be in eighth grade this year, took to Roosevelt Park’s basketball court before moving on to the volleyball net volunteers set up under the shade of the trees.

“We had a smoothie, we’ll shoot some hoops, grab some food and make a day of it,” Hutson said.

The soundtrack to the event was provided by Band Together Pittsburgh, an organization that works with individuals on the autism spectrum through music, including professional DJ training for those on the spectrum.

Halfway through the day, 7-year-old Akirah Booker found her way to the stage to pause the music and give her own message.

“Just be kind,” she said. “Don’t be a bully. Don’t be mean.”