Cross Outreach

Back to School Giveaway. Recognizing that education is one of the most important pathways out of poverty, CROSS Outreach provides new backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies. In 2024, 1,600 backpacks filled by teams of volunteers were packaged and transported to the Des Moines Area Religious Council food pantries throughout Polk County. This process made it possible for families in need of food assistance to also receive the much needed school supplies during a one-stop visit. CROSS was able to provide school supplies, backpacks, dental supplies and reading books for 1,600 children from low- and no-income households.