By Tessa Belcher
Northeast News
July 6, 2011

Backpacks full of school supplies and personal care hygiene kits will be distributed to the elementary students of Kansas City, Missouri School District on the first day of school, Aug. 15.

Supplies inside the backpack will include a clear top nylon pencil bag, crayons, washable color markers broad, No. 2 wooden pencil, large glue stick, eraser, safety scissors, plastic ruler, assorted pocket folder, wide-ruled spiral composition notebook and a hygiene kit.

KCMSD Senior Media Relations Specialist Andre’ Riley emphasized the importance of the backpacks in providing basic supplies parents will no longer have to go out and buy.

Last year, Backpacks for Achievement provided for 5,000 kids at the back-to-school fair. Nearly 10,000 kids, all within KCMSD, will receive the support of Backpacks for Achievement this school year.

“We’re really excited this year to help 10,000 kids that are all our own,” said Riley.

Some of the businesses partnering with KCMSD in this effort to provide supplies include Heart to Heart, Target, ING Financial, Blue Cross Blue Shield, University of Phoenix and US Toy. Heart to Heart ordered backpacks and supplies on behalf of KCMSD.

Heart to Heart plans to transport them to each school in the district and help with the distributions on the first day of school.

KCMSD is also accepting donations from those who want to contribute.

Donations can be sent to Andre’ Riley at the Board of Education: 1211 McGee, Suite 1008, Kansas City, MO 64106.

Donations will be used to purchase backpacks and school supplies.