Want to lend a hand to students in need this school year? Need help getting your child’s school supplies? Do they need a physical? These events in the Des Moines metro area can help!
Ankeny
Project Fresh Start
Any Ankeny Schools or Ankeny Christian Academy students are welcome to take part in Project Fresh Start to prepare for the 2016-2017 school year. Free school supplies and backpacks will be provided to students. For more information, call the Ankeny Community Education office at 289-3960 or project coordinator Dave Kissinger at (515) 491-2049 or dkiss806@juno.com.
When: Thursday, August 4th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm & Saturday, August 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Where: Neveln Center, 406 SW School Street, Ankeny, IA Room 303
Altoona
Southeast Polk Health Fair
Health services will be provided to Southeast Polk Students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade. Immunizations, physicals, dental screenings and vision screenings will all be offered. Other services provided include assistance with on-line registration, vouchers for free backpacks, school supplies, shoes and assistance with free/reduced lunch applications.
When: Saturday, August 6th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Clay Elementary, 3200 1st Avenue S., Altoona, IA
Des Moines
24th Annual Back to School Giveaway
The first Thursday of every August CROSS Ministries gives away new backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies to students who need them. There are no geographic boundaries associated with this giveaway. They serve the first 1,500 children until the supplies are given away.
When: Thursday, August 4th, 2016 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Back 2 School Bash
During this one day event, over 800 students will walk away with school supplies and will have the opportunity to get health screens and immunizations free of charge. The Bash also features a talent show, basketball tournament, carnival, food vendors and information from various community organizations.
When: Sunday, August 21st, 2016
Where: John R. Grubb YMCA, 1611 11th Street, Des Moines, IA
Indianola
Impact Community Action Partnership
This community action agency provides school supplies for youth in grades K-12 in Warren County. For more information call (515) 961-2543 or email jcrane@rracap.org.
When: TBD
Where: Warren County Center, 210 W 2nd Ave, Suite B, Indianola, IA 50125
Urbandale
Back To School Health Clinic
Services are free of charge to any PK-12th grade student. School physicals, dental screenings, immunizations, lead testing, and vision screening can all be taken care of at the free Back To School Health Clinic. Johnston & Urbandale students who get their health screenings done at this clinic will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies.
When: Thursday, August 4th, 2016 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
Where: Urbandale Middle School, 7701 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA
Waukee
Back to School Health Fair
Health screenings will be provided to kids in pre-school to 12th grade. Health services provided include: school physicals, including pre-school and sports physicals, dental screenings, vision screenings, immunizations, lead testing and haircuts. There will also be community resources, plus FUN stuff for the kids and a free meal will be served. For more information call (515)987-5523
When: Monday, August 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Westview Church, 1155 SE Boone Drive, Waukee, IA
West Des Moines
Community Backpack Blessing
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church will host a backpack blessing where backpack and school supplies will be given away for free. Parents must accompany their child and bring their school list. Backpacks are given away on a first come, first serve basis until all 200 backpacks are gone.
When: Saturday, August 13th, doors open at 9:30 am and the giveaway starts at 10:00 am
Where: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA
School Supplies & Physicals
West Des Moines Human Services holds a school supply distribution for qualifying, low-income West Des Moines residents in August each year. Income verification and appointments are required to receive supplies. Please call 222-3660 or stop by the office beginning July 11 to schedule an appointment.
When: August 16th, 17th and 18th, 2016 by appointment
Where: 139 6th Street. West Des Moines, IA 50265
School physicals and immunizations will be offered to qualifying low-income, uninsured or under-insured youth at the Mae E. Davis Free Clinic. Please call 515-222-3660 beginning July 11th for an appointment.
When: Saturday, July 30th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Where: Mae E. Davis Free Clinic in the Eddie Davis Community Center, 1312 Maple Street, West Des Moines
If you know of a Back to School event that needs to be added to this list, please leave a Comment or email it to nicole@dsm4kids.com.
