‘Every child should be given an opportunity to succeed.’ LS school supply drive starts

Matt Sanning’s inspiration to ensure all students are ready to succeed in school comes from his grandmother, Geneva High.

High founded Lee’s Summit Social Services, and the organization’s Back-To-School Drive was always a special program to her.

“I remember when my grandmother gave a speech where I was in attendance,” Sanning says.

“While I always knew our Back-to-School Store was important, I did not fully understand the importance.”

Sanning says every student has to deal with challenges, but for low-income students, it can be harder.

“Kids who start the school year off with half-used supplies, hand-me-down clothes, and simply not having a good breakfast or dinner, will (have) challenges that so many of us could never understand,” Sanning says.

“Peer pressure, depression and a basic lack of self-confidence can only slow someone down. If we have the opportunity to affect change for some of these kids, we certainly will do our best to do so. Every child should be given an opportunity to succeed, and we won’t let them start at a disadvantage.”

This year, the drive begins July 27 and will continue to Aug. 21.

The program benefits those in need in the Lee’s Summit Social Services’ service area, which includes Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana and Lone Jack. Students from pre-kindergarten through high school are provided with a backpack, school supplies, shoes, clothing, socks and undergarments.

Some aspects of the drive will be different this year because of COVID-19, says Megan Salerno, Lee’s Summit Social Services’ assistant director. Salerno, who is in charge of the school supply drive, says there will limits to how many students are allowed in at a time. Also, to help with social distancing, there will be a maximum of six volunteers at each shift instead of the usually 15 to 20.

Salerno says volunteers at stations will help students choose items. Each volunteer will wear a mask and wash their hands between clients, as well as spray down surface areas between appointments. And the warehouse itself will be sanitized each evening during the duration of the program.

“The needs of the community are ever-changing,” Sanning says. “With the current COVID pandemic, our community is still finding their way. While some are out of work, many are also seeing an increase in prices at the stores, less access to certain necessities, and other fears that this environment has created. There is a general uncertainty of when, not if, this pandemic will affect our own families.”

Sanning says there the school supply drive is one program the organization takes a lot of pride in because so many students are given an opportunity to succeed by the generosity of a supportive community.

Donations are still needed for the drive and can be made dropping them off at Lee’s Summit Social services, 108 S.E. 4th Street, Lee’s Summit. Those needing school supplies must make an appointment by contacting Salerno at megan@lssocialservices.com