Akron Children’s Hospital Pop-up Events

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) and Akron Children’s Hospital (ACH) partnered to host six pop up events throughout Summit County at AMHA properties.  These events were held in Twinsburg, Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton and the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood in Akron.  For these events, ACH shared Summer Fun Bags to all children in attendance; these bags were designed to keep children active this summer and included Frisbees, jump ropes, beach balls, cones, chalk and water bottles. Bag recipients were encouraged to use the items to play traditional games such as hopscotch, Frisbee tag and relay races, or make up their own activities. The bags also included items for parents, such as COVID-19 health information, a face covering, strip thermometer, hot/cold packs and hand sanitizer. Eligible families were also able to pick up a free car seat at this event, provided by ACH Safe Kids Summit County. AMHA’s Early Childhood Initiative, with help from other Resident Services staff, provided free books as part of the national Book Rich Environment Initiative and passed out free Girl Scout cookies that came from a donation provided by First Energy. Parents in attendance were able to sign up for produce perks which matches dollars spent on fruits and vegetables when using SNAP/EBT benefits at participating locations.

Altogether, 45 car seats were given to families who pre-registered for the events with another 45+ to be given out to those who were not able to pre-register but are in need. ACH and AMHA were able to hand out Summer Fun Kits and books to 503 children through the event.