Annual Back to School Giveaway -
Thursday, August 5 - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, August 6 - 10:00 AM - Noon

CROSS Ministries is planning for the 18th Annual Back to School Giveaway to be held on August 5 & 6 at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church. Last year we were able to assist 1,200 children from low and no-income families with the supplies they needed to begin school. As you can see by the photo, the line stretches from the main entrance in the parking lot, around the sides of the building, and then beyond the corner of 24th and Cottage Grove. With the challenges of the current economy, I know that the demand will be just as high this year.

BTS line 09
Children of low and no income households are most affected by the poverty their families experience. The best way to get them out of the poverty cycle is through education. If a child has to start school without the basic supplies needed, or has to start school late while waiting for the money to purchase the supplies, it puts them at a major disadvantage. Therefore, the Back to School Giveaway is an investment in the future for us all.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bring IDs for all members of the family - such as a social security card, medical card, student ID, etc.
  • Proof that income is at or below 150% of poverty level - paycheck stub, public assistance statement, income tax return, etc.
For questions call 515-279-9998.

To Donate:
Since we do not count on using our general program funds that have been intended for emergency rent, utilities, and other basic needs, your donations are greatly needed!

CROSS Ministries needs money to purchase supplies in bulk, at a discount. For every $15.00 that you donate, one child living in poverty, in our community, can receive a backpack filled with the grade appropriate school supplies needed to begin the 2010-2011 school year.

Supplies may also be purchased and delivered to Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church, 1050 - 24th Street, Des Moines. Please call ahead for hours that the supplies may be dropped off at 515-279-8877. Items needed for the Giveaway include:
  • new backpacks
  • notebook paper
  • wireless spirals
  • 3-ring binders
  • markers
  • crayons
  • zip pencil pouch
  • scissors
  • glue sticks
  • white glue
  • plastic pencil boxes
  • pens
  • Kleenex
  • colored pencils
  • pocket folders

We would appreciate any help you might be able to give. Because we need to package the supplies by various grade levels prior to the giveaway, we are asking for the donations to be made by Friday, July 30.

Thank you for any help that you can offer to this vital giveaway program for school children!