Akron, OH — Signal Akron, part of the Signal Ohio network of newsrooms, proudly joined with the LeBron James Family Foundation’s House Three Thirty, JPMorganChase Bank, Starbucks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit and Medina Counties, and other community partners on August 7, 2025, for the “ALL IN AKRON” back‑to‑school event.
Volunteers passed out about 1,700 backpacks to children who came through House Three Thirty. The kids also got school supplies, refreshments, and essential community resources at no cost.
Families also accessed services from partners like Sports Clips, which provided haircuts to boost confidence for the start of school, and other local organizations offering educational and health support.
“This event is a powerful example of what happens when we step outside the newsroom and into the heart of the community. Signal Akron exists to reflect the needs, dreams, and voices of Akron residents,” Signal Ohio CEO Rita McNeil Danish said. “This is the kind of meaningful engagement that makes local news and information essential – not just for information, but for connection and change.”
This initiative reflects Signal Akron’s commitment to community based journalism in action, supporting local residents with the resources they need to thrive. Signal Akron doesn’t just inform; it organizes, collaborates, and uplifts voices by hosting events that combine news with tangible aid.
Here’s a look at the scene from House Three Thirty:
About Signal Ohio
Signal Ohio is a groundbreaking news organization with a mission to strengthen democracy in Ohio and bring all Ohioans the local news that they need to thrive. We launch and sustain local, community-centered newsrooms and bureaus that deliver high-quality, essential news, information, and resources, empowering residents to engage more deeply in civic life and strengthening community connections statewide.