Kokomo Rescue Mission Hosts Annual Back To School Assistance Program

Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission

The Kokomo Rescue Mission hosted its annual Back to School Assistance Program beginning on Tuesday with the final sessions taking place on Thursday and Friday at Grace United Methodist Church at 219 W. Mulberry St. in downtown Kokomo. The program provides new socks, shoes, and undergarments to students of income-qualifying families in grades K-12 (ages 5 -18).

Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission

Last year the program served 273 families and 582 students. Kokomo Rescue Mission Communications Coordinator Kasey Woolslare shared how valuable the program can be, especially to larger families as they prepare for the beginning of the school year.

Woolslare said she and other volunteers love helping students try on new shoes during the event.

“It seems to be the part [students] are most excited about,” she said. “Some of the kids hug their shoes or wear their new shoes out of the building.”

Photo Provided | Kokomo Rescue Mission

Families should come prepared with parents’ photo IDs and social security cards, proof of household income, students’ birth certificates, and social security cards. The Kokomo Rescue Mission has provided a list of acceptable forms of income on their website.

If families could not attend the Back to School Assistance Program, they may visit the Kokomo Rescue Mission assistance office located at the main KRM building at 321 W. Mulberry St. to receive a voucher to be used to shop for school clothes in the Kokomo Rescue Mission’s Care & Share Store. The KRM Assistance office is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.