It’s time for our Annual Back-to-School Giveaway!

CROSS Outreach is gearing up for our 33rd annual Back-to-School Giveaway – an investment in the future for everyone!

It is our vision that all children have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom.  With family budgets already stretched thin as low-income and no-income parents make hard decisions between purchasing food or paying the rent, buying gas for the car or buying shoes for a growing child, many children lack the basic tools needed to succeed. 

With your help, the CROSS Outreach Back to School Giveaway can make a huge difference in the lives of these children!

For every $20 you donate, one at-risk student will receive a new backpack filled with grade-appropriate school supplies to begin the 2025-2026 school year! We are planning to fill 1,600 backpacks through our partnership with DMARC and their Greater Des Moines Metro food pantries.

DONATIONS NEEDED

• Donate via Credit card, Debit card or PayPal at:
  www.crossoutreachdm.org/donate-now

or

• Donate by Check – designate “BTS Giveaway“ in the memo line
  and mail to:
  CROSS OUTREACH
  P.O. Box 12121
  Des Moines, IA 50312

or

• Donate by Volunteering your time: Monday, July 14 and/or Tuesday, 15, 2025 – 5:30-7:30pm
  
  • Help prepare, organize & pack supplies at DMARC’s warehouse, 100 Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA 50315
    
  • Sign up now by contacting CROSS Board Member Lisa Kilian at
    kilianlmfl@gmail.com or 515-205-0981.
    
    Leave your name, phone number and the date you wish to volunteer and Lisa will get back to you to confirm your contact information and dates you want to volunteer.

The Back-to-School Giveaway is one of the most important and fun programs that CROSS offers every year! Remember, the BEST way to get kids out of the poverty cycle is through education.

Thank you for your support, donations and time.