Helping Kids Go Back to School

Now that St. Louis kids are back at school, we want to highlight a few programs that help them learn, grow, and succeed.

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Operation Backpack

This program ensures elementary children have sufficient food to eat on the weekends, so they return to school Monday ready to learn. Its goal is to to distribute 326,500 backpacks to more than 9,000 students each week. The program is run by Operation Food Search, which also offers a Summer Meals program when school is out.

Photo courtesy of Operation Food Search

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The Little Bit Foundation

The Little Bit Foundation’s mission is to break down barriers to learning for students living in poverty through partnerships and programs that serve the needs of the whole child. Little Bit has been supported in its efforts by YEP STL (Youth Engaged in Philanthropy), a student-led philanthropy group mentored by YouthBridge Community Foundation, through grants for the “Books and Buddies” and “Ignite STEM” programs.

Photo courtesy of The Little Bit Foundation

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National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJW STL)

National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJW STL) also received a YEP STL grant to support its “Back to School! Store” and “Kids Community Closet” programs. An annual, one-day event, “Back To School! Store” provides new clothing, school supplies, and books to underserved children so they can be confident and prepared for their first day of school and successful throughout the school year. “Kids Community Closet” is an extension of that program, and provides underserved children with clothing, coats, backpacks, school supplies, and personal care items to allow them to attend school every day, maximizing their learning potential.

Photo courtesy of NCJW STL