Katy Nonprofit Gives Residents Opportunity to Help Local Students; Need Continues to Rise

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

July 29, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy students go back to school in three weeks, but for some getting the necessary supplies is difficult. Katy Christian Ministries hopes to use donations from the community to support close to 1,000 Katy ISD students who need assistance.

For 28 years, Katy Christian Ministry (KCM) has helped local students with back to school supplies. Each year, families register for assistance and the Katy-based nonprofit strives to meet that need based on community donations.

“On a yearly basis, KCM helps about 1,000 children with school supplies and backpacks,” says Deysi Crespo, Executive Director for KCM. “This number is only a portion of students needing assistance because not everyone feels comfortable to reach out even if the need is there.”

Each summer, KCM collects funds to provide school supplies and backpacks. Last year their Red Apple Campaign helped 795 students. The campaign also incorporated a shoe program called “Happy Feet” where students received supplies, backpacks, and shoes all needed for school.

These donations directly benefit local students in Katy ISD grades K-12 who need a little help to start their 2022-2023 school year. KCM anticipate a much higher need from last year and set their fundraising goal at $60,000.

700 families have registered, depending on donations received KCM hopes to be able to add more to the wait list.

How to Help

“Currently, we are in need of monetary donations in order to purchase shoes and supplies,” says Crespo.

Donations can be made online. KCM is also accepting $25 gift cards to Academy.

“We are also accepting donations from specific school supplies drives that can provide items such as: manila paper, construction paper, rulers, glue sticks, hand sanitizers, blue and black ink pens,” says Crespo.

When getting the student in your family ready for back-to-school, consider giving back to the community and helping a student in need.

“Every family has a unique situation and we are honored to meet the family's needs through the generosity of the community,” says Crespo.

Learn more about Katy Christian Ministries and their programs at their website.