As thousands of students and teachers around the region head back to class, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford needed school supplies. A recent study found the average household spends $175 on supplies alone, almost 8% more than last year. And that’s on top of growing costs for other school essentials like clothing and lunch items. That’s why Kansas City Current and United Way of Greater Kansas City, the team’s official charity partner, joined forces to help get thousands of school supply items out into the community.
Kansas City Current players, staff and season ticket members united on Thursday, August 20th to package 2,000 school supply kits during United Way’s 2nd Annual ImpactPalooza event. Kits included items like pens and pencils, notebooks, highlighters, glue sticks, folders and colored pencils.
“Economic conditions are really tough for a lot of people across our community right now. Finding funds to pay rent and utilities, buy medicine and food often leave households with little leftover to cover other essentials, like school supplies,” said Patrick Sallee, United Way President and CEO. “We’re thankful to our partners at Kansas City Current for pitching in to ensure we can help meet this practical need for so many in our community.”
Five United Way nonprofit partners received the supplies to distribute to the families they serve including: Boys and Girls Clubs, Guadalupe Centers, PrepKC, reStart, and YMCA of Greater KC.
Rainy Day Books also hosted a book fair during the event. Supporters were able to purchase books or make a donation supporting the purchase of literacy items, which will be donated to local schools this fall.
Financial donations to support United Way’s ongoing work to enhance youth opportunity can be made here.
In addition to ImpactPalooza, United Way supports a number of volunteer activities year-round. Our next event, CommUNITY Fest, is happening November 6th at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. Advanced registration is available at unitedwaygkc.org/events.