Helping Students Start Strong, Together: Highlights from SC4K’s 3rd Annual Back to School Bash

Preparing students for a successful school year takes more than school supplies. It takes access to clothing, shoes, school supplies, health resources, educational support, and a community invested in their success. At Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K), we work to remove these barriers and make sure local students have the resources they need to feel confident and prepared. That mission was on full display at SC4K’s 3rd Annual Back to School Bash, where families, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors came together to help students start the school year strong.

The Back to School Bash began in 2024 as a way to connect families served through SC4K’s Direct Service program with valuable back-to-school resources. Through Direct Service, families referred by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Community Resource Center (CRC) and its 15+ nonprofit community partners can receive new shoes, clothing, and school supplies throughout the year. Coordinated by SC4K and co-hosted by Anthem since its inception, the Bash brings many of these resources together in one welcoming and accessible environment while connecting families with organizations that can provide additional support.

At this year’s Bash, SC4K helped families prepare for the school year by providing access to new shoes, clothing, school supplies, and connections to community resources. Families also received access to health and wellness services, food, and activities that made the day an exciting and positive experience for children. Free haircuts, face painting, bounce houses, line dancing with music from Universoul DJs, and visits from Cleveland Monsters mascot Sully, Cleveland Browns mascot Chomps, and Cleveland Charge mascot Pozzie gave students a chance to enjoy the celebration while getting ready to head back to the classroom. The Collinwood Lady Cobras Cheerleaders also returned for their second year to entertain families with their back-to-school cheers. 

While the activities made the Bash memorable, the event’s greatest impact was helping families access resources that can make a difference beyond the first day of school. Families were able to learn about healthcare, dental services, educational opportunities, and other community programs available throughout the year. By bringing these organizations and resources together, SC4K helped make it easier for families to find support in one place and connect with organizations that can continue serving them throughout the school year. And the support doesn’t end when the Bash is over. Families can continue accessing SC4K resources through the Direct Service program. During SC4K’s regular hours, families can visit the Free Store to receive new shoes, clothing, and school supplies. Families can also continue connecting with the community organizations they met at the Bash for additional services and support throughout the year. This ongoing access is an important part of SC4K’s commitment to supporting students and families beyond the back-to-school season. 

The Back to School Bash would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteers, staff, Board Members, Associate Board Members, community partners, and sponsors. Their time, resources, and support help SC4K reach families with essential items and services while creating an environment where students can feel valued and celebrated. Every contribution helps SC4K continue providing resources that remove barriers for local students and give them a stronger start to the school year. 

A special thank you to the organizations that helped make this year’s Back to School Bash possible: 

• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Benjamin Rose 
• Bright Beginnings 
• Carmella Rose 
• Care Alliance Health Center 
• City of Cleveland 
• Cleveland Animal Protective League 
• Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! (SITG!) 
• Cleveland Department of Public Health 
• Cleveland Monsters 
• Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc.
• Educational Opportunity Center at Cuyahoga Community College
• Cuyahoga County Board of Health
• Digital C 
• Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland
• Family Connections
• First Draft Picks Barbershop 
• Food Bank Mobile Outreach Truck 
• Greater Cleveland Works 
• Kids’ Book Bank – Cavs Book Bus 
• La Barberia Institute of Hair
• Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
• Liberty Dental 
• MAGNET 
• Melsbarbalon 
• MetroHealth Collinwood Health Center 
• Seeds of Literacy 
• St. Vincent Charity Health Campus 
• Step Forward 
• Towards Employment 
• United Way of Greater Cleveland
• Vision to Learn 

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this year’s Back to School Bash. Because of your generosity, local students are heading into the new school year with new resources, meaningful connections, and the confidence to take on the year ahead. Together, we are helping students start strong—and building a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive. 

View photos from SC4K’s 3rd Annual Back to School Bash on Flickr!