Many Cincinnatians are familiar with the words “What is going on, y’all? It’s Hood News 75,” spoken by the social media creator Lamenuel Scales in the opening of his quick news videos. Scales has used his rapidly growing online platform to spread important (and hilarious) news in Cincinnati, but now he’s using his reach for something else. Scales has launched a Hood News 75 Back-to-School Giveaway Fundraiser to help support in-need families in Hamilton and Clermont counties.
Scales has put the call out to his thousands of followers to donate or help in any way, with an end goal of raising $5,000. There have been $275 raised as of July 10, only 17 hours after the GoFundMe was first created.
As the release of classroom supplies lists creeps closer, Scales says he understands the back-to-school worries of many families.
“I know what it’s like to struggle. I went to Washington Park, where they gave us school vouchers to go to a place called Fox’s on Court Street when it was there to get boots and to get uniforms,” Scales said in a recent Instagram video.
People unable to donate can help in other ways, though, including Amazon Wishlists, providing drop-off locations or simply by spreading the word.
The supplies will be distributed across multiple communities in August, closer to the start of the school year.
“No child should feel left out on the first day of school because of money,” Scales wrote in the fundraiser description. “If you believe in giving back and supporting the next generation — now’s your time.”
To find more information about this fundraiser or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page or a Hood News 75 social media account.
This article appears in Jul 9-22, 2025.