Thanks to parishes and individual donors, kids across our 21 county service area returned to school in style. Once again, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Shawnee, and St John Paul II, Olathe, showed their support and investment in the education of kids in our community through their back-to-school drives. In addition to parish support, we also received backpacks and school supplies from various individual donors – in some rather creative ways – including an elementary student who requested school supply donations in lieu of birthday presents and completed backpacks that were donated in lieu of memorial gifts.

Sacred Heart of Jesus donated 185 completely filled backpacks for students in grades K-5. Additionally, they donated $1,390 worth of bulk supplies for the classroom (including Kleenex, Clorox wipes, Ziploc baggies and hand sanitizer). Each year, their donations benefit New Chelsea Elementary, Kansas City, Kansas.

Parishioners at St. John Paul II chipped in 64 full backpacks which were distributed in our rural communities that are served by our Resource Bus. Camille Pickhinke, Director of Community Engagement, noted, “For many families being faced with the cost of school supplies, these backpacks can make a significant dent in their personal budget. Beginning the school year without the essential materials can be isolating for kids. These donations help eliminate possible stigma associated with going back to school ill-prepared. We are extremely grateful for these generous donations that help alleviate this stress for families and allow our kids to start the school year off right.”