The Maple Heights City School District celebrated the new school year by partnering with Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Maliek Collins in a heartwarming effort to support local students. Over 200 backpacks filled with essential school supplies were distributed to Maple Heights families during the All Pro Giving Back School Supplies Giveaway, ensuring students start the year confident and prepared.
Hosted at the Maple Heights Elementary Campus, the event welcomed families for an afternoon of giving back. Students received not only backpacks but notebooks, writing utensils, and more, all aimed at setting them up for academic success. The highlight for many was the chance to meet NFL star Maliek Collins in person, whose generosity and commitment to the community were on full display.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of several partners, including FCA Metro Cleveland and The Right Choice Foundation, whose support helped make the giveaway a reality. Supplies were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a strong turnout from families eager to participate.
Olympia Della Flora, Superintendent of Maple Heights City Schools, expressed gratitude for the partnership: “When professional athletes like Maliek Collins choose to invest in our students, it sends a powerful message about the impact of kindness. A backpack full of school supplies is more than a gift; it signals to our children that their community believes in their potential. These moments matter. They shape how a child sees the start of a school year, and when kids feel supported and seen, that confidence carries into the classroom. On behalf of our students and families, we are deeply grateful to Maliek for his continued support and for showing our kids what generosity looks like in action.”
The Maple Heights City School District extends its sincere thanks to Maliek Collins, FCA Metro Cleveland, and The Right Choice Foundation for their ongoing commitment to Maple Heights students. The district looks forward to future partnerships that continue to uplift and inspire the community.