'A great help to our community': Pittsburgh Public Schools holds school supply giveaway at Acrisure Stadium
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- As classes are set to resume for the fall semester, there are still families in need of a helping hand, especially when it comes to school supplies.
Prices for classroom necessities have soared due to inflation, and Pittsburgh Public Schools held an event Monday at Acrisure Stadium to help families in need.
From stuffed backpacks to food to haircuts, Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters said thousands of students will be ready to go back to school.
"The more we can give to our students, the more the community embraces our students, the better it is for our children," Walters said.
Shana Knight is a mother of three. She said this back-to-school event helps her family significantly.
"You have no idea," Knight said. "Come this time of year, I'm so broke. They're so big. They're expensive."
Students also went inside the Fed Ex Great Hall to get haircuts, hairstyles or manicures for free.
"If it's free, it's for me," said Knight. "Clothes alone are very expensive. This is a great help to our community."
"If they come back prepared, feeling good about themselves, having what they need, then we are off to a great start," Walters said.
Walters said not only does it benefit families, but teachers too.
"Our teachers spend tons of money on school supplies. That's just who they are by nature," said Walters. "So, we honor, value and respect them and anything we can do to give back and support them is wonderful."
Local leaders like Mayor Ed Gainey gave educators the credit they deserve for guiding these students.
"Someone who is going to teach them. Someone who is going to educate them. Someone who is going to be their friend, pick them up when they fall down, [and] celebrate when they achieve. Without you, it's not possible," Gainey said.
Organizers also set up 15 bus stops across the city so parents could pick up supplies.
For more information and a list of bus stop locations, click here.
