To help local families with the upcoming back to school season, the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading hosted its annual ‘Back to School and Community Event’ at the 6th and Amity Playground Wednesday afternoon. Even with the high summer heat, hundreds of families and kids packed the park for free food, community resources, and school supplies.
Spearheading the event was DoubleTree by Hitlon Reading’s own Human Resources Director, Alneasa Jordan. She tells us the event wouldn’t be possible without the community. “We are hear to celebrate Reading” Jordan said during the opening announcements.
To prepare for the event, Jordan gathered over 25 community vendors to provide free school supplies, community resources, and activities for kids.
Partnering up with Penske, Jordan was able to provide 650 backpacks to local families, all free. Kids would then take their backpacks to vendors across the park to fill up on school supplies.
“Penske has been part of the local Reading community for 50 years. Giving back to the community is part of who we are as a company,” said Randy Ryerson, director of communications at Penske Truck Leasing.
“We’re excited to have so many Penske leaders from across North America, who were here in Reading attending a company training session held at the DoubleTree. They supported and led this event. Together, they donated backpacks filled with much-needed school supplies for local kids heading into the new school year.”
In addition to school supplies, the community event also featured free haircuts by American Barber Academy, demo by Star City Boxing, and community information vendors Abilities in Motion, Reading Area Community College, Ready Set Read, and more.
