City Employees Spread Holiday Warmth through “Hugs N’ Gloves” Program
Hundreds of Akron children, families, and homeless individuals provided free warm winter items, books or gift cards through City’s “We Care” initiative
City of Akron Press Release
Published: 12-19-2018
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ellen Lander Nischt, Press Secretary / Assistant Director of Law
[email protected] or 330/375-2325
Akron, Ohio, December 19, 2018 – This holiday season, City of Akron employees volunteered their time and donated winter items through the City’s “We Care” initiative. Hundreds of donated hats, gloves, and socks were distributed through a city-wide “Hugs N’ Gloves” event on December 8th. City volunteers and youth leaders from the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council distributed gift cards and new hats, gloves, socks, and books to K-12 students living in the Mason, Lawton, North Hill, and Firestone Park communities. Additional items were distributed during the Mayor’s holiday art show on December 12th and to the Haven of Rest.
“I am incredibly proud of the generosity of our city employees, and thrilled with the success of the Hugs N’ Gloves program,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “Akron residents need to know that their local government truly cares about them. By donating to families and individuals in need, our employees spread holiday warmth and helped build community pride across the city.”
The results of the City’s 2018 “Hugs N’ Gloves” program are impressive. Through the program:
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more than Akron families received gift cards;
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more than the Akron community received hats, gloves, socks and books; and
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approximately 140 homeless individuals and youth served by Haven of Rest Ministries received warm winter items.
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Over 100 City employees volunteered this holiday season as sorters, ticket sellers, shoppers, event managers, drivers, and station helpers at the community centers.
“We Care” is the initiative launched by Mayor Horrigan for City employees who volunteer in the Akron community. The program is managed by the Department of Human Resources. “Hugs N’ Gloves” is one of dozens of programs included in the “We Care” initiative throughout the year. Special thanks to the “Hugs N’ Gloves” sponsors: City of Akron employees, Keep Akron Beautiful, Akron Public Schools, and 1-888-OHIOCOMP.
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For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary
Phone: (330) 375-2325
E-mail: [email protected]
