South KC back to school assistance and where to donate

Students are preparing to go back to school, and south Kansas City organizations are working together to help ensure they begin the year with the supplies they need to learn and thrive. From school supply drives to community backpack giveaways, organizations and volunteers are stepping up to support local students and help ensure a successful start to the school year.

Where to donate school supplies in south KC

Two local police departments are turning generosity into a friendly rivalry with the Belton vs. Raymore Donut Hole Challenge. The Raymore Police Department and South Metropolitan Fire Protection District accepted a supply-collection challenge from the Belton Police and Fire Department, with Big Daddy’s Donuts sponsoring the fun. The Raymore-Peculiar Public School Foundation says the greatest need is for reusable water bottles and hygiene items including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, tampons, full-size shampoo, body wash, and dry shampoo, along with classic classroom staples like wide-ruled notebooks, folders, glue sticks, and calculators.

If you’re rooting for Raymore to win, donate at Community Bank of Raymore. If you’re rooting for Belton, bring donations to the Belton Fire Department station or Belton
Police Department during business hours through Aug. 10.

Nationally, the Dollar Tree Back-to-School Brigade works in partnership with the military charity Operation Homefront, in-store from July 5 through Aug. 6. Shoppers may purchase supplies and drop them in collection bins near the front of participating stores, including locations in Martin City, Waldo, Grandview and Belton. Donated items are turned into backpacks for military- and veteran-connected children.

In Belton, Heart-N-Hand Ministries is also collecting donations for its annual Back-to-School Bash. Contribute through the Heart-N-Hand donation page, donate school supplies to the HNH Barrel at Target in Belton, or drop off financial donations or school supplies at Belton Fire Department collection locations or at Heart & Hand, 200 B Street, Belton, MO. Supplies can also be purchased directly from the organization’s Amazon Wish List.

Grandview supporters can give back in style at Transparent Brewing Company’s Food & Beer Pairing Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Owner Nolan Brown and Head Chef Brian Hall are hosting a four-round guided pairing experience, with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the Grandview Assistance Program (G.A.P.), with proceeds going toward local families and students. Tickets are $80 single or $150 per couple, must be purchased by Aug. 1, and participants must be 21 or older for the beer portion; reservations can be made by calling or texting (816) 287-0294.

Where to get free school supplies in south KC

Belton families within Belton School District #124 can register to attend Heart-N-Hand Ministries’ Back-to-School Bash. Registration is required and will be open July 21-29. Families should not click the registration link before July 21, as it will not be active. Registration can be completed on the organization’s website at heartnhand.org.

Many events are hosted on August 1. Kansas City’s 5th District hosts its largest annual giveaway with Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw’s 7th Annual Operation Backpack, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Swope Park (enter at 67th and Swope Parkway). Backpacks, supplies, tablets, hotspots, books, and feminine products are available while supplies last. No walk-ups, Kansas City, Missouri, residents only.

Grandview C-4 School District is combining health and school-supply help in one stop with its Back to School Health Fair on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grandview High School. The event provides required immunizations, sports physicals, and enrollment paperwork, with the Jackson County Health Department, nurses, mental health resource partners, and language interpreters all on hand. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or while supplies last) that morning, Grandview Assistance Program hosts their Annual School Supply Giveaway in the Grandview High School cafeteria.

In South Kansas City, New Generation Christian Center presents its Back to School Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9601 Blue Ridge Blvd. Backpacks and supplies are free while they last; additionally, they offer sports physicals, food, and a bounce house. Students must be accompanied by an adult picking up a backpack.

On August 2, Raytown families can head to Duffle Bag Apparel, 7308 Raytown Rd., for the “I Am the Bag” Backpack Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m., featuring free backpacks and supplies plus a live DJ, vendors, games, food, and raffles.

Events continue on August 8, when Grandview’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 5901 E. 135th St. hosts its Back-to-School Supply Giveaway: Grace Day from 10 a.m. to noon, serving families in Grandview, Martin City, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar. Registration is required and can be completed online or at (816) 763-3211.

Rehab of Kansas City South, partnering with Bales Temple, offers a Back to School Backpack Giveaway at 8033 Holmes Rd. for students Pre-K through high school from 1-3 p.m.

Back to school tax-free weekend Aug 7-9

Families can also take advantage of Missouri’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, running from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9. Clothing up to $100, classroom supplies up to $50 per purchase, and computers up to $1,500 are exempt from state and local sales tax.