City Union Mission to give free back-to-school outfits to low-income families

The cost of sending your young scholars to school continues to rise, and for some families in our area, it can come down to a choice between school supplies or food.

That's where City Union Mission comes in.

They are providing sets of free school clothing (shirts, pants, socks, underwear, etc.) to 400 children from low-income families in the KCMO and KCK public school districts.

Children from pre-K to sixth grade will have the chance to get the new year started right with the help of the Mission and the community.

Each set of clothing costs about $35.00.

According to Travis Strong, Community Assistance Administrator, students and their parents who are income-qualified for the program are invited to visit the Mission's Community Assistance office at 1700 East 8th Street.

Distribution starts Wednesday, August 2, and runs for three days.

All of us can help by donating clothes or, even better, money to keep the program going.

Mr. Strong says that helping family budgets is just part of the program's goal.

There is also the increased sense of confidence and excitement that comes with the clothes, giving the student a sense of belonging and possibility.

The motto around here is "Your City. Your Mission."

This program makes the words come alive for the youngest among us.