We are already in the early grips of the extreme Arizona summertime heat, but one Mesa church is well on its way to planning for kids who need help this coming school year.
Kicks 4 Kids is a community outreach event designed to help students feel prepared and excited about the upcoming school year, able to focus on academics, friends, and extracurricular activities, rather than wondering if they are going to have the school supplies they need when they arrive on campus the first day. The event is on Saturday, July 20.
“Kicks 4 Kids is an annual event that helps prepare students in kindergarten through senior year to have an incredible school year! We believe that students should have the supplies that they need to confidently start off the year,” said representatives from JustServe.org and Living Word church.
“Every student who is registered will leave the event with a brand-new pair of sneakers in their size, a backpack filled with school supplies, and an opportunity to receive a free haircut and breakfast if they desire,” the group confirmed.
The volunteers for this upcoming event are enthusiastic. “It helps alleviate some of the financial burdens of sending children to school. It is incredible to see how the community comes together to supply shoes, school supplies, backpacks, and volunteers for this event. This year we have 260 students registered.”
Kenzie Anderson, outreach director for Living Word church, said in 2023, volunteers served 250 students. “This year, we have a goal of serving 500 students in need in our community,” she emphasized.
The church group is searching for volunteers for the upcoming July 20 event, focused on students and families in need. In addition to the church’s own outreach website, volunteers may also utilize JustServe.org to support and volunteer for this event and many others.
“JustServe does the work of researching organizations, finding service projects, coordinating schedules, and bringing local service projects to your fingertips,” the website says.
“All you have to do is register to join a community of volunteers who are already changing the world,” said Bruce Kiene, a JustServe specialist who with his wife, Mary, are two of many.
Bruce and Mary are not only JustServe representatives who work with service sponsors in Mesa, but as Mesa residents they are also strongly involved as volunteers, helping to strengthen the community through events such as Kicks 4 Kids.
“We are both retirees and it has been fun to work with so many fine organizations to help our city,” Bruce said.
“What we like about our work with JustServe is watching ordinary people feel something different, a real change, as they serve total strangers here in Mesa,” he continued. “As we link volunteers with community service opportunities like Kicks 4 Kids, it really supports the underserved individuals and the community. And that’s a home run every time.”
Living Word church is looking for Kicks 4 Kids volunteers to help distribute backpacks and shoes during the July 20 event. The church needs volunteers who can help set up and take down tables, stands, and other related structures, people who will serve breakfast, check in registrants, and finally, hair stylists and barbers who are currently licensed.
“We are always needing more Spanish speaking volunteers,” said a Living Word church representative. “If you are able to assist in this way, please indicate when signing up to volunteer.”
Living Word is also seeking donations for the Kicks 4 Kids event, which you can drop off at the church building, located at 3520 E. Brown Road, in Mesa.
You can also donate online. The link, which you can find at JustServe.org, will take you to the Kicks 4 Kids Amazon Wish List.
The registry list offers a wide variety of items to buy for donations, from dozens of backpacks and crayons to scissors, gel pens, glue sticks, and plastic pocket folders.
Sign up to volunteer at the JustServe.org website or contact Kenzie Anderson at (480) 331-3830, or kanderson@livingword.com with questions about donations or volunteering.