2nd Annual Back-to-School Extravaganza provided over 1,500 families with food, school supplies and basic necessities
On Saturday, August 27, Angel of Edgewood, a local non-profit that serves as a food security resource for the Greater Hartford community, hosted its 2nd Annual Back to School Extravaganza.
The event, sponsored by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO) and Hispanic Federation Foundation, welcomed over 1,500 Greater Hartford families and distributed five tractor trailers worth of fresh produce, dairy products and packaged goods.
“My heart is full. Food security is a huge concern among families in the Greater Hartford area. Thanks to our food donation partners, Midwest Food Bank, End Hunger CT, Carbonella Foods and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, we were able to put food on tables and bridge the gap between SNAP and EBT benefits ensuring our families had a successful start to the school year,” said Jendayi Scott-Miller, Angel of Edgewood CEO and Founder. “When every mother, father or grandparent expressed their gratitude, it gave me the strength to keep going – and that’s what it’s all about; serving the community and meeting their needs.”
To help further the cause, the Hispanic Federation Foundation and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving contributed a total of $22,500, which was toward purchasing additional food items for the event.
“On behalf of the communities we serve, the Commission is grateful to our colleagues at Angel of Edgewood, particularly CEO and Founder Jendayi Scott-Miller, for envisioning such an impactful back-to-school drive in Hartford,” said Steven Hernandez, Esq., Executive Director for the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity. “Much-needed supplies and access to health and wellness directly impact students’ success, particularly in urban communities that have been disproportionately impacted by unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunity. The pandemic only made it worse. Mrs. Scott-Miller is a true angel, and through her vision, many of our local kids have the opportunity to start the school year right.”
In addition to food, vendors and sponsors like Staples, LEGO, Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), Hartford Yard Goats, Habitat for Humanity and The Village for Families and Children distributed backpacks, pencils and other school supplies. The Connecticut Sun also gave away 500 pairs of tickets for their upcoming playoff games.
Medical screenings and vaccinations including the COVID-19 vaccine were supplied by the Department of Public Health, Griffin Hospital and Charter Oak Health Center and available to attendees.
Additionally, the event featured entertainment and fun family activities throughout the day, which were provided by the West Indian Independence Celebration Committee, Stadium of Dance and Magic Soul Drumline.
Angel of Edgewood is currently accepting donations for its Winter Coat Drive. To contribute to this event or for more information about the organization, please visit Angel of Edgewood.
