Akron.com

Zoo, APS host Backpack Adventure



Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo

AKRON — The Akron Zoo and Akron Public Schools (APS) teamed up to provide health and hygiene items for APS students and their families at a drive-thru Backpack Adventure event Aug. 19-20, with participants at one day shown above.
According to zoo officials, over 2,000 students received drawstring bags that included items such as shampoo, reusable masks, soap, socks, hand sanitizer, Akron Zoo tickets and more. Also, 1,500 parents received a family bag that included laundry detergent, deodorant, soap and more.
Participants were greeted by animals and costumed characters, picked up the two bags and grabbed some snacks courtesy of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
There also were three satellite locations for the event at the Metro RTA Transit Center, North High School and Jennings Community Learning Center.
“Backpack Adventure has always been one of our favorite programs for our kids,” said APS Superintendent David James. “We commend our friends and partners at the Akron Zoo for being flexible and changing this program to fit the needs of our families following the guidelines of social distancing.”
Officials stated organizations that donated supplies and money for the event include Dominion Foundation, Giant Eagle, Proctor and Gamble, JoAnn Fabrics, Metro RTA, Akron Community Foundation Community Response Fund, Metro by T-Mobile, PNC and Summit County Children Services.