CENTRAL CT GHOSTBUSTERS HELPING MERIDEN KIDS GEAR UP FOR SCHOOL

The Central Connecticut Ghostbusters at the Meriden Public Library during their school supply drive. Photo: Boceto Media.

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Meriden, CT .- Who you gonna call? The Central Connecticut Ghostbusters, and on Saturday, they weren’t busting ghosts, they were collecting backpacks!

Dressed in their iconic jumpsuits and proton packs, the nonprofit group gathered school supplies for Troop 1148 of the Meriden Fire Department, which is hosting a back-to-school fair on Friday, August 22 at the Meriden Green Amphitheater.


Founded in 2019, the group is licensed by Sony to wear the film’s costumes, as long as they raise money solely for nonprofit organizations and not for personal gain, all while bringing the Ghostbusters spirit to parades, parties, and community events.

Max Borriello and Steve, Central CT Ghostbusters in the Meriden Public Library. Photo: Boceto Media

Visitors to the library dropped off pencils, pens, backpacks, and more to help make sure local students are ready to start the school year prepared to learn.


“We’re here to help, especially the kids in Meriden,” said Max Borriello, the group’s founder. “I went to public school here, so this means a lot to me.”

Donations will continue to be accepted at locations such as Achieve Financial Bank on East Main Street through August 19.


According to the Meriden Public Schools website, the district serves approximately 8,600 students across twelve schools and alternative education programs. A significant majority 79% identify as students of color, including Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and multiracial students.


The largest ethnic group in the district is Hispanic/Latino, making up 60.2% of the student population. About 20% of students are classified as English Language Learners (ELL) or Limited English Proficient (LEP).


The student body is nearly evenly split by gender, with 48% female and 51% male, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, approximately 78% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, according to the district website.

“For now, the Boogeyman is in hiding. If there’s a monster under your bed, all you have to do is look it right in its beady little eyes and say: I ain't afraid of no ghosts, and it’ll run for the hills. Don’t worry. Trust me,” said Riley.

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