Volunteers and donations needed for Community RECESS Initiative

Founded in July 2025, the Community RECESS (Recreation, Resources, Community Service Supervision) Initiative is the brainchild of Aaron Mitchell, who worked with community navigator Frank Hairston to gently help individuals and families in Ravenna Township’s Skeels and McElrath neighborhoods build a sense of community, secure needed resources and unleash their community spirit.

Mitchell said he sees Community RECESS as a way to break the cycle of poverty for underserved youths and families. Participants strengthen family ties, increase their confidence and experience personal growth.

RECESS relies on the kindness of strangers. Mitchell seeks individuals, businesses and organizations willing to donate items for RECESS’s three programs:

Youth and Teen Recreation:

• Sports gear, including sneakers of any size, baseball gloves, footballs, kickballs, dodgeballs
• Bottled water, Gatorade, snacks, frozen cookout supplies, condiments

Water at the Rock and Beloved Community Closet: 

• Travel-size toiletries, body wash, feminine products, towels, new undergarments
• Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, blankets, tents
• Cups of soup, coffee, bottled water, snack items
• DVD movies, stuffed animals
• Local vendors willing to provide one meal a month for needy families.

The organization's Community Service and Seasonal Giveaways:

• Trash bags, work gloves, buckets, trash pickers, orange safety cones
• New or gently used Halloween costumes
• Seasonal (summer/fall) clothing for youths
• Bulk giveaway items

Volunteers are also needed. Mitchell welcomes community members who are willing to serve as mentors, guest speakers, coaches and volunteers for Community RECESS’s youth and teen recreation programs.

Individuals, businesses or organizations who are willing to donate, provide mentorship or a monthly meal, or volunteer in any way may contact Mitchell, care of MIC-Beloved Community at 330-322-1028 or 234-380-7293, or email 23belovedcommunity@gmail.com.

MIC-Beloved Community is located at 705 Oakwood St., Ravenna.