The local bottler for Coca-Cola gave each of Hollywood Elementary School’s 301 students new sneakers, socks and school supplies on Nov. 12.
Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Back-to-School with Purpose initiative partnered with the nonprofit Samaritan’s Feet for the giveaway. The project supports schools serving low-income communities in 14 states and also donates backpacks, prepares classrooms and offers gift cards to teachers through 35 programs.
“We believe our kids deserve just as much as the opportunities that better-funded schools get,” Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President Samantha McLoughlin said. “Our kids are just as smart, just as gifted and … we are very grateful for this opportunity.”
At Hollywood Elementary School, a Title I school in North College Park, the opportunity came through kindergarten teacher Ashley Franceski. Her husband, Carl Franceski, a general manager of sales and operations for Coca-Cola Consolidated, invited the company to visit the school.
Teal, black, purple, pink, blue and green shoes came in sizes from toddler 9 to women’s 9 and men’s 12. Each pair came with a complimentary pair of socks. Once students found their perfect fit, volunteers, including the Coca-Cola polar bear mascot and Testudo from the University of Maryland, led them to a table of colorful backpacks containing school essentials.
“I’m just happy that we are on the receiving end,” Principal Carlos Johnson said.
Johnson has also partnered with parents and others in the community to help students and their families with donations of clothing and food. In addition, the school hosts bimonthly community nights.
“When you can provide for a parent and the things that they need at home, school and home become one,” Johnson said.
These efforts don’t go unnoticed, according to City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1), who was among more than 50 community members who attended the sneaker giveaway event.
“He’s gone above and beyond to make sure he’s providing meaningful outreach,” Hernandez said. “I’m really proud of Principal Johnson’s ability to build relationships in the local community.”
With a large Latino population of students at the school, Johnson said he works to support the Spanish-speaking community by hosting events that “bring … more people that look and sound like my students into the school.” The school also hosts evening English classes for parents, sponsored by the University of Maryland.
Johnson is quick to pass credit for the programs to the parents, including those who are members of the PTO, which organizes teacher appreciation events, school supply fundraisers, holiday parties and movie nights, McLoughlin said.
“We have a great group of parents that are always up for whatever,” McLoughlin said. “Even if they can’t volunteer their time, they try to donate their hard-earned money.”