Release Date: August 26,2020
Akron Zoo and Akron Public Schools Partner to Offer Backpack Adventure Event
AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo and Akron Public Schools (APS) teamed up to provide health and hygiene items for APS students and their families at Backpack Adventure on Aug. 19-20.
Over the course of the two days, students received drawstring bags that included items such as shampoo, reusable masks, soap, socks, hand sanitizer, free Akron Zoo tickets and more. For the first time, parents also received a special family bag that included laundry detergent, deodorant, soap and more. Over 2,000 student bags and 1,500 family bags were given out.
The event was adapted for COVID-19 precautions as a drive-thru event. The main event was at the Akron Zoo, where families drove through the parking lot. They were greeted by animals and different costume characters, and they picked up the two bags at different stops and grabbed some snacks courtesy of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. There were also three satellite locations at the Metro RTA Transit Center, North High School and Jennings CLC for the families to pick up the student bags.
"Backpack Adventure has always been one of our favorite programs for our kids,” said David W. James, Ed.D., superintendent at Akron Public Schools. “We commend our friends and partners at the Akron Zoo for being flexible and changing this program to fit the needs of our families following the guidelines of social distancing. Another success story!"
The event was a successful, thanks in part to the support of organizations that donated supplies and money. Backpack Adventure was supported by Dominion Foundation, Giant Eagle, Proctor and Gamble, JoAnn Fabrics, Metro RTA, Akron Community Foundation Community Response Fund, Metro by T-Mobile, PNC, Summit County Children Services and more.
The Akron Zoo is now open. Current hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and admission is $8 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $3. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. For more information, visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375- 2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with over 1,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.