Christopher Hughes+FollowAkron’s STVM football welcomes back WattleyMarcus Wattley Sr. is returning to lead St. Vincent-St. Mary’s football program, and folks around Akron are buzzing. With deep roots in the Irish community and a track record that includes two state championships and 10 playoff runs, Wattley brings both experience and heart. His focus isn’t just on winning games—he’s known for building up players on and off the field. As the new head coach and director of retention and academic success, Wattley’s homecoming feels like a big win for STVM families. What are your hopes for this new era of Irish football? #Sports #Football #Akron00Share
Michael Phillips+FollowAkron’s biggest holiday toy giveaway yet!15,000 brand-new toys are landing in Akron this Saturday, and local families get to pick out gifts for their kids—no strings attached. The Toys for Tots event at East Community Learning Center is set to be the largest in recent memory, thanks to the generosity of neighbors, businesses, and volunteers. It’s all about making sure every child feels the magic of the holidays, no matter what. If you know a family who could use a little extra cheer, spread the word! What are your favorite memories of community holiday giving? #Safety #Akron #ToysForTots00Share
Marcia Hamilton+FollowAkron’s Selfless Elf 5K brings festive fun for a causeNothing says holiday spirit in Akron like the Selfless Elf 5K, where runners and walkers of all ages turn out in wild costumes to support local hunger relief. This year, the event is shaking things up with a new team option—perfect for families, friends, or coworkers looking to add a little friendly competition to their morning. Every participant gets those iconic elf socks and a race shirt, and there are prizes for best dressed, top fundraiser, and fastest team. With music, Santa, and plenty of cheer, it’s more than a race—it’s a chance to help neighbors in need. Who’s joining in this year? #Safety #Akron #SelflessElf5K00Share
april67+FollowAkron lights up with Firestone CLC’s holiday magicFirestone CLC’s singers and dancers have been lighting up Akron all season, bringing a wave of holiday spirit to every corner of the city. Over 110 students have performed everywhere from the Akron Civic Theatre to the Woman’s City Club, capping it all off with their first-ever Holiday Pops concert. What’s really special is how students themselves lead the way—directing, choreographing, and mentoring younger members. The energy and joy they bring is contagious, and it’s clear these performances mean a lot to both the students and the community. Have you caught one of their shows? What’s your favorite local holiday tradition? #Entertainment #Akron #FirestoneCLC00Share
sarahgibson+FollowAkron’s golf leader joins Akron Children’s FoundationBig news for Akron: Don Padgett III, who’s been the driving force behind Firestone’s pro golf tournaments for nearly two decades, is now taking his talents to Akron Children’s Foundation. Padgett’s deep community ties and fundraising skills could mean even more support for local kids and families. With the Kaulig Companies Championship’s future in the spotlight, many are wondering how his move might shape both the tournament and the hospital’s outreach. What changes or new ideas would you like to see as Padgett steps into this new role? Let’s talk about the impact on our community! #Sports #Golf #Akron00Share
Emily Delgado+FollowAkron’s $4.3M boost for local nonprofitsAkron just saw a major investment in its community: over $4.3 million in grants from the Akron Community Foundation this quarter alone. This includes the largest-ever round of funding for health and human services, helping groups like the International Institute of Akron support refugees and immigrants who’ve lost access to vital services. The Akron Blind Center and Christ Child Society are also stepping up for neighbors in need, from vision loss support to providing clothing for local kids. With demand rising, these grants are a lifeline. How do you think this funding will shape Akron’s future? #Safety #Akron #CommunityImpact00Share
kerryrivera+FollowAkron neighbors bring holiday magic to APSNothing beats seeing a child’s face light up with joy, and that’s exactly what happened for 60 Akron Public Schools students and family members this holiday season. Thanks to Abby’s Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts—a nonprofit started by Akron native Abigail Spraggins—ten local families received not just toys, but much-needed essentials like coats, shoes, and winter gear. Every donation and volunteer hour goes straight to families, making a real difference right here in our community. It’s amazing what we can do when we come together. How else could we support our neighbors in need this winter? #Safety #Akron #Community00Share
Sandra Escobar+FollowAkron students cook up real-life skillsMiddle schoolers at Our Lady of the Elms in Akron are swapping takeout for hands-on kitchen skills with the new Elms Eats program. Every sixth to eighth grader gets a turn learning to cook, measure, and follow recipes—skills that go way beyond the microwave. The program even ties in with their school farm, letting students grow their own lettuce and herbs for meals. It’s not just about food: students are building patience, confidence, and independence. What’s your take—should more schools teach these kinds of practical life skills? #News #Akron #LifeSkills00Share
Emily Delgado+FollowAkron’s holiday giving spirit shines brightNothing says community like seeing local families get a real boost during the holidays. This year, Abby’s Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts—started by Akron’s own Abigail Spraggins—delivered gifts, clothes, and essentials to 10 Akron Public Schools families, reaching about 60 people. From warm coats to bikes and tablets, the donations made a huge difference for kids who might otherwise go without. What’s amazing is that this group is all volunteers, so every bit of support goes straight to those who need it most. Makes you wonder: how can we all pitch in to keep this spirit going year-round? #Safety #Akron #CommunitySupport00Share
Michael Petty+FollowAkron’s teacher programs set a new reading standardAkron’s future teachers are getting some of the best training in the country for helping kids learn to read. The University of Akron just earned top honors from the International Dyslexia Association for three of its teacher-prep programs—something only 24 schools nationwide can claim. This means local educators are learning the latest science-backed ways to spot reading struggles early and support every student, including those with dyslexia. With Ohio’s new laws pushing for structured literacy, Akron is leading the way. How do you think better teacher training could change reading outcomes in our schools? #Education #Akron #Literacy00Share
