City News | CITY OF KANSAS CITY

Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw is proud to announce the 4th Annual Operation Backpack, a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting the educational needs of children in the 5th District and Kansas City as a whole.

Swope Health is a major sponsor of Operation Backpack, joining the annual event. Operation Backpack equips students as they return to school by providing free backpacks, school supplies, tablets, and food. The event will also include free wi-fi hotspot giveaways.

The drive-through event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5th, at Swope Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mayor Pro-Tem Parks-Shaw believes it is important our children are given the tools necessary to be safe, healthy, and successful students whether they are learning in a classroom or online. This year, Operation Backpack plans to give away 3,000 backpacks, 250 tablets, feminine hygiene products, car seats, vaccines, books, gun safety locks, food, and more.

“I’m so thankful and excited this year for our sponsors and volunteers as we have developed a partnership with Swope Health to continue to make this giveaway a success,” Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw said. “We are on the same page, and we know Kansas City parents and students need our help, and we simply can’t let them down.”

Operation Backpack is organized in partnership with the City of Kansas City and Giving Hope and Help, a local non-profit social services agency.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw is partnering with the non-profit Giving Hope and Help, as well as with T-Mobile and Swope Health.

Event Sponsors: Swope Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Burns & McDonnell, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Links, Inc., HNTB, IAFF Local 3808, IAFF Local 42, IBEW 53, McCownGordon, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Polsinelli, KC Royals, Teamsters Local 41, the Pipe Fitters, University Health, KPRS Hot 103 Jamz, 107.3 KC’s R&B and Hip Hop, and Dan Tarwater.

Featured Booths: Children’s Mercy, Harvesters & Jewish Family Services, Grandparents for Gun Safety, Turn the Page KC, Research Medical Center, Dr. Justin Garner DDS, MOCSA, Teamsters 41, Pet Resource Center of KC, National Congress of Black Women, and KC Digital Drive.