This month, FirstEnergy donated school supplies to nearly 11,400 Akron Public School elementary students in kindergarten through sixth grade during a drive-through event to help set students up for a successful school year as they learn from home.

Students received backpacks that were packed by FirstEnergy volunteers with school supplies approved by the school district. The supplies, several of which were purchased from diverse suppliers to support minority-owned businesses, included notebook paper, folders, glue, pencils, hand sanitizer, and dry erase boards.

The donation filled a gap created when the area’s annual “Stuff the Bus” program, provided by the United Way of Summit and Medina, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Working with Akron Public Schools, FirstEnergy employees gathered and packaged the items and arranged for a safe, limited-contact distribution.

"I'm proud of our FirstEnergy employees who identified a need to support our youth during a time that has brought unprecedented challenges to many families in our area," said Lorna Wisham, FirstEnergy vice president of Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement. "We hope this makes things just a bit easier for Akron families as their children continue the school year."

The METRO bus service provided free travel to and from the event for families without vehicles, and the Akron Public Schools arranged to provide backpacks to students who are without permanent homes.

"From our corporate partners and volunteers to the local businesses and public transit system supporting this event, it's heartwarming to see the community come together to ensure our students receive the tools they need for a quality learning experience," said David James, superintendent of Akron Public Schools. "This school year may not look like the typical year yet, but we're committed to making the virtual learning environment as educational and rewarding as any other."

Watch a video of the inspiring event on FirstEnergy’s Twitter account. This is another example of EEI member companies’ commitment to the communities and customers they serve.

Tags : Innovative Partnerships, Game Changers, All