Stories

For Marilyn Meyers Buckey, success is the product of smart succession, both in business and philanthropy. Through her family's funds at Akron Community Foundation, Marilyn and her daughters have assumed their forefathers' tradition of working hard,...

Business sale creates legacy of charity

Steve Shechter, son of a grocer and third-generation Akronite, never considered himself a philanthropist. That all changed in 2013 when he sold his business and established a fund at Akron Community Foundation. Now, Steve and his family can give to the...

Ritzman third-graders practice measuring skills at Akron Zoo

Math is a challenging subject for many students, particularly when it comes to abstract concepts like calculating the volume of an imaginary object. But what if students were to measure something more concrete – like an alligator? That's exactly what one...

Dictionary project aims to increase literacy in Akron schools

Nearly one in five adults living in Summit County struggles with literacy. A recent study by the National Institute for Literacy revealed that 18 percent of Summit County residents lack the reading skills needed to complete a job application, find an...

Martial arts program makes striking difference for kids with special needs

Brenda Carneal was feeling overwhelmed: The Barberton resident's daughter had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her youngest son, Nick, was struggling with autism. As a result, Brenda was getting lost in the never-ending stream of meetings with...

Child safety advocate turns attention to Millennium Fund

Fran Doll knows firsthand what it's like for a child to need help. Raised by alcoholic parents, she often turned to her grandparents for love and protection. Now, as an adult, the Fairlawn resident and Millennium Fund donor is determined to keep other kids...

Millennium Fund preserves founders' passion for helping kids

In 1999, the Millennium Fund for Children was just a glimmer in the eye of former Akron Beacon Journal editor Jan Leach. The paper had just published a series of articles on the needs of local children, most notably those affected by shaken baby syndrome. The...

Adapted toys bring joy to children with disabilities

Interactive toys like Hokey Pokey Elmo are among the most popular items on children's Christmas lists. Kids of all ages light up when they see Elmo dance and are eager to squeeze his hand for more. But what happens when a child isn't physically able to press...

Pajama Program warms kids' heads, hearts for the holidays

Unwrapping a pair of cozy pajamas is a beloved Christmas tradition in many families. But for children in homeless shelters and impoverished neighborhoods, pajamas are often an impossible luxury. It's not unusual for these children to spend the holiday season...

Fatherhood initiative brings more focused resources to Summit County fathers

Having active fathers in children's lives can make all the difference between success and failure for that child. And a new Fatherhood Initiative facilitated by Akron Community Foundation will combine the services of three prominent organizations to provide...

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