Thiel College alumnus Giovengo leads backpack giveaway for Pittsburgh elementary students

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Visions Attire, co-founded by Thiel College alumnus Devyn Giovengo ’22 and business partner Mikel Battles, recently held its second annual Youth Summer Jam at Highland Park in Pittsburgh, where they gave away backpacks and school supplies to local elementary students.

Giovengo’s event in late July was profiled in the Pittsburgh City Paper. The event, which was co-hosted with DTL Apparel, was a fun-filled day for families, featuring face-painting, temporary tattoos, ice cones, bouncy houses, free haircuts, and food. The community-oriented day also provided students with the tools they need to succeed in school, with Visions Attire giving away nearly 270 backpacks—an increase from 150 backpacks last year.

“Being able to provide these kids with something they need is really important to me,” Giovengo told the City Paper. “You never really know a kid’s home situation. There are many children for whom school is the only place they get a meal, so helping them start the school year with supplies they need is something I’m proud to be part of.”

Giovengo and his team not only focused on distributing supplies but also took the time to engage with families and children. He noted that the connection with the community was stronger this year, with many families staying for hours to enjoy the event and interact with the team.

While there were a few backpacks left over, Giovengo ensured they still reached those in need by distributing them to apartment complexes, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other backpack drives in the area. With the success of the event, Giovengo and Battles plan to continue growing their outreach, including an upcoming fashion show and toy drive this winter.

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