Kindergarten Celebration Prepares Students for the School Year

ZANESVILLE, OH- A big turnout at the Mid-East Career and Technology Center this morning where families gathered for the annual Kindergarten Celebration school supply giveaway.

The event, hosted by the Muskingum County Families and Children First Council, helped hundreds of kids get a head start on the school year. Backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and more were handed out at booths set up by local partner agencies, giving families a chance to engage directly with school and health representatives.

“It’s fantastic for the kids and the families but to see the camaraderie of the entities that come and the generosity of the community that give donations to provide the different supplies and the agencies that contribute and give those supplies, that says a lot about Muskingum County as a whole,” said Muskingum County Family and Children First Council Chair Elect, Carol Howdyshell.

The event brought together local schools, health agencies, and literacy groups, all working to make sure students feel confident heading into their first year.

“We have a lot of supplies left over just because of what has been donated, so that goes to the school districts, we don’t hang on to that for next year, so those extra supplies go to the school districts and then they are there for the students to use as well,” said Muskingum County Family and Children First Council Chair Elect Chair, Tonya Steele.

Organizers say they plan to bring the event back next year.