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Back-to-School Giveaway

CROSS Outreach’s 2023 Backpack Giveaway!

The 31st Annual CROSS Outreach Back to School Giveaway is an investment in the future for everyone! The Back-to-School Giveaway is one of the most important and fun programs that CROSS offers every year!

The Giveaway grew out of the awareness that the children of low- and no-income households are most affected by the poverty their families’ experience. The BEST way to get kids out of the poverty cycle is through education.

For every $20 you donate, a child living in poverty can receive a backpack filled with grade-appropriate school supplies. Supplies and backpacks will be given to 1,200 children through our partnership with DMARC and their 15 partner food pantries throughout the Greater Des Moines area.

Click here to see the most recent back-to-school giveaway assembly at the DMARC warehouse the last week of July.

DONATIONS NEEDED

  • Donate via credit card, debit card, or PayPal on our website at www.crossoutreachdm.org/donate-now

or

  • Checks can be made out to CROSS Outreach, designated to “BTS Giveaway“ in the memo line and mail to the CROSS Outreach office at:

CROSS OUTREACH
P.O. Box 12121
Des Moines, IA 50312

Questions? Call 515-279-8877 or email crossoutreachdm@gmail.com. Or contact Back-to-School Giveaway coordinator Lisa Kilian at kilianlmfl@gmail.com or 515-205-0981, text or call.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteer opportunities are available for both July 24 and 25, 2023.

Setting up tables and organizing supplies:

  • Monday, July 24, 2023 – 5:30pm at DMARC, 100 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Packing supplies in backpacks, assembly line:

  • Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – 5:30pm at DMARC, 100 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

To volunteer in advance, please contact Back-to-School Giveaway coordinator 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.

Thank you for your support, donations and time.

 2017 Back to School Giveaway video: