1,500 CHILDREN SERVED WITH FREE, FILLED BACKPACKS!

2013 CROSS BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY!

Thursday, August 8
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, August 9
10:00 AM until supplies run out!

CROSS Ministries is planning for the 21st Annual Back-to-School Giveaway to be held on August 8 and 9 at Cottage Grove Ave. Presbyterian Church, 1050 - 24th Street, Des Moines.  Last year we were able to assist 1,500 children from low and no-income families with the supplies they needed to begin school.

We know that the demand will be just as high this year, so it is our hope that we will be able to provide supplies for another 1,500 children this year!
 
Children of low and no-income households are most affected by the poverty their families experience.  The best way to get people 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. 
 
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! Most of our supplies are purchased in bulk from Internet sources because we can get the best prices. Based on last year’s costs, we anticipate our expenses to be approximately $15,000 to buy the items needed for the children.  
 
We would appreciate any help you might be able to give in either donated supplies or the money to help purchase school items.  FOR EVERY $15.00 DONATED, A CHILD IN POVERTY CAN HAVE THE SUPPLIES NEEDED TO BEGIN THEIR SCHOOL YEAR!

Because we need to package the materials by various grade levels prior to the giveaway, we are asking for the donations of goods to be made no later than Friday, August 3.  Donations of dollars identified for the Back to School Giveaway are appreciated early but gratefully received at any time.

Please mail to CROSS Ministries, 1050 – 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311.
 

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


Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bring IDs for all members of the family - such as a social security card, medical card, or student ID, 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 2013-2014 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
  • plastic pencil boxes
  • pens
  • Kleenex
  • colored pencils
  • pocket folders

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