Our annual community Back to School Giveaway was started in 2006 and was inspired by a vision from Sarita Hill. Sarita is a wife and mother of six who resides in the Alliance area and had read of similar events in other school districts. She was aware that being prepared for school really helps with the student's self-esteem. The Alliance City Schools had a significant increase in first-day attendance following our first backpack and school supplies giveaway in August 2006.

It is the hope and desire of our Back to School Giveaway committee that the entire Alliance community area will support our efforts for the children in this event. The children are able to pick out a new backpack and we fill it with the supplies that their school and classroom require. We have many blessings and want to share those blessings with the children. The Alliance Friends Church at 1307 West State Street is the site of this event each year in August.

In our first year for this event in 2006, we had 130 volunteers who helped in assisting 543 students with backpacks and supplies. We also supplied 130 children with free haircuts through local hair salons and barber shops. Lunch was served to children, parents and volunteers.

In 2007, our efforts were supported by the first annual motorcycle run organized from the Alliance Friends Church. We had 100 riders and raised more that $1,600.00. The number increased to 800 students who received backpacks, supplies and 100 children with free haircuts. We had 110 volunteers who assisted in handing out materials and also providing lunch for the children and parents.

In 2008, we provided 953 students with backpacks, supplies, and 165 children with free haircuts. The second annual motorcycle run raised $842.00 and brought in 48 backpacks. Included in our 90 volunteers were Peter Basil, the Alliance City School Superintendent and principles from individual buildings in the district.

In 2009, our 150 volunteers provided 1,211 students with backpacks and basic school supplies. Also provided: 927 lunches, 1080 pairs of socks were given out, and 64 children were given vouchers for a free haircut. The 57 riders on our annual motorcycle run "Bikers for Backpacks" raised $830.00 and brought in 111 backpacks for the cause.

The year long planning for this event, which will be held on August 21, 2010, has already begun. If you would like to be involved in this very needed and worthy mission, please call Elizabeth Penird or Helen Diehl at 330-823-4210.

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