Give-A-Kid-A-BACKPACK
We provide backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies annually for students in the Holt Public School District who are entering Pre-K through 12th grade. As a part of this program, each student also receives a new outfit and a pair of new shoes to start school. Having these items gives students increased self-worth as they start the school year with the same advantages as their peers.
Year Established
In August of 2003, the Backpack program began. That year 50 backpacks were distributed to children in need. From there, this program has grown tremendously. Today, each student also receives a new outfit and a pair of new shoes to start school.
Students Served
Across the last decade, this program has provided the Holt Public Schools community with over 2,800 backpacks to date. In 2021, 2022, and 2023 over 250 backpacks were distributed each year. This local need continues to grow annually.
Program
Basics
We open registration for the following year's program in the Spring of each year. Flyers are sent home with Holt Public School students and we do our best to publicize the program locally for those in need. Backpacks are distributed in August of each year.
How to Receive Help
The deadline to sign up for this year's program was Sunday, July 14th.
Sign-up for the 2025-2026 school year will begin in May of next year.
Note, the person signing up the child(ren) must be either the primary custodial parent or the legal guardian. To qualify you must either live at an address inside the Holt/Dimondale School District OR have at least one child that attends a Holt/Dimondale school. You must also be able to show proof that you meet the income guidelines.
ALL applications REQUIRE the following proofs. You must have these with you on distribution day to pick up your student’s backpack and clothing.
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Picture I.D. (Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card)
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Proof of current address (Ex: property tax receipt, lease agreement, utility bill, MDHHS Paperwork)
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MDHHS Case Paperwork (Including case number, home address, and list of household members receiving benefits) OR Proof that children are currently receiving Medicaid benefits OR Paperwork to verify income for ALL adults 18 & older in the home
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Medicaid/insurance card OR birth certificate OR Social Security Card to verify children 17 & under in the home
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If you do not live in the Holt School District, then you must bring proof that your child attends a Holt/Dimondale school or that at least one child within your home attends a Holt/Dimondale school (current report card, current school ID, signed statement from the school/teacher, etc.)
Your items will be distributed on August 1st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Holt United Methodist Church on the Corner of Cedar & Aurelius in Holt, MI.
** Be sure to mark August 1st on your calendar! **
How to Help This Year's Program
Make a
monetary donation
Cash donations are always appreciated and they go a long way as we proactively shop for the best prices and bulk ways to purchase whenever we're able.
Donate today via our above PayPal link or if you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to Give-A-Kid Projects and mail it to:
Give-A-Kid-Projects
P.O. Box 576
Holt, MI 48842
DONATE ITEMS
VOLUNTEER
You can purchase items for a direct donation to Give-A-Kid-A-Backpack’s 2024/25 school year from our Amazon.com or Target.com Wishlists. Shop from a variety of price ranges and items will be sent directly to Give-A-Kid-Projects’ headquarters for sorting and distribution. Be sure to choose Give-A-Kid-Projects Headquarters as your shipping destination at checkout! If you prefer to shop in person at Target or another store, you can call us at (517) 694-1230 to arrange a time to drop off your purchased items at our headquarters on Holt Rd.
Volunteers are always needed to help sort and inventory incoming donations. For more information, please call us at (517) 694-1230, or email us at volunteer@giveakidprojects.org.