CINCINNATI — Communities across Ohio are helping kids to go back to school with festivals and giveaways. In Avondale, near Cincinnati, it's a tradition going back nearly 20 years. The Neighborhood Back2School Carnival is one of the oldest in the city.

What You Need To Know

  • The Back2School carnival began in 2004

  • Students get free backpacks and school supplies

  • The Ennis Tait Ministries works with local nonprofits and organizations to provide 1,000 backpacks to kids who need them

​“Back then, there were so many kids that would come to school without supplies and things they needed,” said Sheree Tait, who founded the festival back in 2004. “I said, ‘OK, let’s fill that void.’ So we started and we’ve been carrying it out all these years.”

She said they give away 1,000 backpacks every year.

The event has become a tradition for The Ennis Tait Ministries and its volunteers.

“We want every child to experience the joy of opening up their backpack and their new school supplies on the first day of school and so seeing all these families and kids out here, it makes it all worth it,” Tait said.

The Ennis Tait Ministries partners with community groups and organizations including the Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, Uptown Consortium, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, ReGeneration Schools, IDEA Schools, Romero Academy, Cincinnati Parks Department, New Beginnings COTLG Avondale and other anonymous donors.

“Our mission and heart’s desire is to show God’s love to the children and families of our community and make sure they have what they need for a successful school year,” said Bishop Ennis Tait, the executive director of the ministries.

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