Housing Authority Provides Backpacks and Sneakers

The Tioga/Bradford County Housing Authority purchased sneakers, backpacks, and various school supplies for children residing in their public housing apartments.

“Summer Kicks is a great program that encourages healthy habits by incorporating more activity into daily life and rewards kids with a new pair of sneakers,” explained Resident Services Program Manager, Crystal Barnard. “Unfortunately, with restrictions due to COVID-19, we were not able to offer the program last summer so being able to resume Summer Kicks this year has felt extra special.”

The Housing Authority’s Summer Kicks sneaker program started in 2015 and is offered to children entering Kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants are required to complete an hour of age-appropriate activity for a minimum of five days per week for a duration of eight weeks during the summer months. Upon successful completion of the program, the children receive a new pair of sneakers for the start of the school year. A total of fifty pairs of new sneakers were distributed throughout both counties.

In addition to the Summer Kicks sneaker program, the Housing Authority also provided brand new backpacks to all school-aged children residing in family units in both Tioga and Bradford counties. Included with each backpack were school supplies to help prepare students for their first day of classes.

“Every parent knows the hefty costs associated with preparing your child to return back to school,” said Executive Director, Sean Sember. “This is our agency’s way of helping to alleviate some of those costs for our families. If our kids return to the classroom prepared, looking and feeling good, they’re going to be more successful.”

Through the Authority’s Resident Services Program, over 130 backpacks with school supplies were distributed to children at all six Housing Authority family sites prior to the start of the academic school year.

“I can’t believe how nice the backpacks are!” commented resident, Mary O’Dell whose grandson will be starting high school. “This has all been a big help.”

                            Pictured: Jonathan and Ryan Stanley showing off their new sneakers and backpacks.