Back-to-school backpacks filled for free in Steubenville at Urban Mission Bash

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) — Today in Steubenville, hundreds of school supply lists were checked off without a single dollar exchanging hands.

The line for the Urban Mission’s Back to School Bash spanned the 7th Street Plaza, as parents and their children found all the crayons, pencils, and notebooks necessary to fill a first-day backpack.

The materials have been handed out for free for more than 30 years, but this is the first time the bags weren’t pre-packed.

Families were able to take what they needed in an assembly line system.

And while parents were relieved to be spared from high retail prices, the kids were excited to see the school bus pull up for the first time.

“ What’s the best part about going back? “

“My teacher!”

Harlie, 1st grade

“I am excited to go back to school to see my friends.”

Rylan, 4th grade

“I’m excited to see my friends and my teachers and stuff, and to decorate my locker.”

Lucy, 5th grade

“So everything here is through donation, whether folks provide monetary donations or shop for school supplies and drop them off. This is all because of the goodness of our community.”

Cynthia Lytle, Director of Community Engagement, Urban Mission

Those who pre-registered will also walk into school with a new pair of shoes, thanks to the United Way and the Cardinal Plant.

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