2022 Kidz Equipped SummerFest

In 2023, IH2’s Kidz Equipped SummerFest program will expand to include more than 650 students in Butler, Allegheny, and new this year, Beaver Counties.  The program will reach subsidized families from four (4) Butler Area School District elementary schools, the entirety of the Freedom Area School District, as well as students in a variety of school districts and subsidized housing developments in Allegheny County.

In August, IH2 will host the annual SummerFest Resource Day, a one-stop place for families and students to stock-up on much needed clothing, supplies, and resources.  The popularity of this annual resource day has steadily grown.  In 2022, IH2 hosted more than 750 individuals comprised of 350 students, their siblings, and family members, up from just 250 total attendees in 2021.  In 2023, SummerFest is expected to serve 650+ students in grades K to 12^th, their siblings, and their guardians, representing a 35%+ increase over the prior year.   As the academic year progresses, IH2 maintains stocked resource closets at each of the schools, while satisfying ongoing requests.

All scholars registered for the Kidz Equipped Program will receive well-fitting clothes, coats, undergarments, socks, and appropriate shoes for academic and physical education.  In addition, each family will receive a non-perishable food box to supplement food stamps and pantry visits, ensuring adequate nourishment for scholars.  Teachers confirm that students are more confident, attentive, and motivated when they are not worried about, embarrassed by, or struggling with their attire.

This year, IH2 is expanding offerings beyond clothing and athletic shoes to also include backpacks, winter coats, undergarments, socks, and school supplies.  It is an ambitious undertaking, but with our help, they will be able to procure enough of these items to outfit every student!  Registries have been set-up to direct ship any purchased donations to Inspired Hearts and Hands.

We are seeking new and very gently used clothing sizes 5T through adult large.  The clothing will be prepared on hangers and arranged in a store-like format and available for “shopping” during SummerFest.  We are humbly asking your help in making this a highly-dignified experience for families.  If clothing is outdated, stained, torn, and/or not in good condition, we ask that you instead direct your donation to another collection agency.  Please help us to make this a positive and exciting experience for these kiddos.

At our SummerFest event, we hope to provide families with a box containing 5-6 essential meals, including cereal, pastas/sauce, fruit, vegetables, soup, peanut butter/jelly, healthy snacks, and other similar easy-to-prepare meal options.  Additionally, we hope to include a $10 ALDI gift card to help cover the costs of fresh ingredients and proteins.  Please consider helping us with a meal box sponsorship.