Waterbury Youth Services' 24th Annual Back to School Rally a Resounding Success!

Together Again, this year’s Back to School Rally theme, was an incredibly successful day thanks to the hard work, initiative, and teamwork of our volunteers, City of Waterbury, staff, vendors, and sponsors. Waterbury Youth Services gave book bags and school supplies to 981 students. The State of Connecticut Department of Corrections gave out 360 bookbags and Waterbury PAL gave out 200.

This free event was held on August 18 from 12 noon to 2 pm at Fulton Park. This year’s event was just what the students needed after a very tough year that was filled with fear, anxiety, and isolation.

As one student said, “The positive energy, generosity, supportive, kind people, bright smiles, incredible back to school supplies, games, books, and fun activities were just what I and my friends needed to start the school year off on an inspired, motivating note.”

Festivities included a performance by WYS’ award winning 4H Dance Team and WYS’ own Luis Aguilar, known as DJ Double L, who provided fun and festive music.

The City of Waterbury hosted an on-site free vaccination clinic which was very popular. Ten individuals were vaccinated.

The legendary Frankies Hot Dogs provided their renowned hot dogs.

Senator Richard Blumenthal and Superintendent Verna D. Ruffin were present and briefly spoke positively and sincerely about the State of Waterbury. More than 40 community agencies were present with a generous and fun supply of various school supplies and information on the numerous resources available to Waterbury’s teens.

A resounding and heartfelt Thank-You to our generous sponsors: In alphabetical order, Connecticut Community Foundation, Drew Marine, Inc., First Congregational Church of Cheshire, MacDermid Performance Solutions, Savings Bank of Danbury, Thomaston Savings Bank, United Way of Greater Waterbury’s Emerging Leaders, and Waterbury Hospital.

ENJOY THE PHOTO FESTIVITIES BELOW OF VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, VENDORS, SPEAKERS