school supplies giveaway
The cost of sending kids back to school is expensive. Odessa’s Place Executive Director, Carol Troop, taught for 25 years in the Erie School District, which is comprised of majority inner city students, and saw firsthand the number of students who didn’t have pens, pencils, notebooks and the things needed to get a good education. Her passion for educating and love for her community inspired her to make a difference.
To this end, Odessa’s Place has committed time and resources to doing what we can to help cut costs and reduce this barrier that often prevents students starting the school year the right way. Since 2009, we have organized a school supply give away in which we give out free school supplies to students in kindergarten through 12th grades, and even college students if they stopped by. We believe by doing this, we will have a positive impact on our students, there ability to learn, and on the community.
Toy Giveaway
Odessa’s Place believes every child should have a toy on Christmas and an Easter Basket. We have endeavored to make the greatest impact our resources will allow to make this happen.
Each year Odessa’s Place organizes a toy and Easter basket giveaway for less privileged families, where we give away at least two toys during the Christmas season to children up to age 17, and an Easter Baskets containing candy, cookies, jellybeans, and other sweet treats to children ages two to thirteen years old. In prior years we have given away between 150 – 200 toys and baskets during each event, and we are hopeful this number will continue to grow.
Meal Giveaway
Since 2005, Odessa’s Place has organized meal giveaway events to feed those in need. The events are usually coordinated around holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and serve recipients hot meals.
Odessa’s Place Executive Director, Carol Troop, grew up in a family of 10 brothers and sisters and understands the need and how impactful meal giveaways can be for individuals and families in need, especially during holiday seasons.
Odessa’s Place normally serves between 300-400 meals during each event.