The ION Free Back-to-School Giveaway is an annual community event hosted by It’s Our Neighborhood, Inc. (ION) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, designed to support youth and families as they prepare for the new school year. This event combines community care, youth empowerment, and essential resources into a single day of giving and celebration.
Key Features of the Event:
Free Haircuts: Professional barbers and youth apprentices from ION’s Barbering Program offer free back-to-school haircuts to boys and girls, helping students feel confident and fresh for the first day of school.
School Supplies Giveaway: Families receive free backpacks, notebooks, pens, folders, and other essential school items to help ease the financial burden of school shopping.
Community Resource Tables: Local organizations, businesses, and service providers set up informational booths to connect families with educational programs, health services, youth activities, and more.
Youth-Run Enterprises: Participants can purchase food from youth-operated businesses like the ION Polish Sausage Stand, giving young entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain real-world experience in customer service and small business operations.
Live Entertainment & Activities: The event features music, games, raffles, and kid-friendly activities to make it a fun and engaging day for the whole family.
Mentorship & Inspiration: Young people are encouraged to sign up for ION programs, including entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and after-school activities, promoting long-term community involvement and personal growth.
Purpose and Impact: The ION Free Back-to-School Giveaway aims to:
- Alleviate economic stress for families.
- Boost student confidence and readiness.
- Connect youth with mentorship, employment, and educational opportunities.
- Foster unity, pride, and engagement within the Frogtown and greater Saint Paul community.
This event reflects ION’s broader mission to empower youth through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and education, ensuring every child has the support they need to start the school year strong.
