KidSmart and Ameren Missouri host back-to-school event in Mid-Missouri

More than 300 teachers from throughout Central Missouri received essential supplies and resources for the school year

KidSmart and Ameren Missouri partnered to provide more than 300 teachers from throughout Mid-Missouri with essential school supplies and classroom resources. On Tuesday, July 30, volunteers from both organizations teamed up for a "Teacher Drive-Thru Distribution Event" in Columbia, Missouri. During the event, volunteers loaded up teachers' vehicles with a wide array of school supplies, including pencils, folders, glue sticks, Lysol wipes and more.

Volunteers from Ameren Missouri and other area organizations provided school supplies to teachers from more than 40 Mid-Missouri schools during the July 30 event.

“Notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons and glue – we know these items go quickly each year, so we are thrilled to be able to provide the resources that every student needs to access education to area students in Central Missouri this back-to-school season,” said Jennifer Miller, KidSmart founder and CEO. “Throughout each school year, there are tens of thousands of children whose families struggle to provide even the most basic supplies. Yet, we know that these tools are critical for kids to succeed in school.”

KidSmart first opened its doors in January 2002 and provides a range of educational resources, all for free, to prepare students for learning and to equip teachers for teaching. The organization currently serves 90,000 students in 205 St. Louis area schools. The July teacher drive-thru was KidSmart's first event in Mid-Missouri.

“Enhancing children’s educational journey is a key priority for Ameren Missouri in schools and communities throughout our service territory," said Nya Grimes, manager of corporate philanthropy and community impact for Ameren Missouri. “We are excited to partner with KidSmart in bringing this impactful program to educators and students in Central Missouri to help meet critical, basic needs of children in thousands of Missouri classrooms."

KidSmart’s mission is to empower students in need to succeed by providing free, essential tools for learning. The organization is driven by its commitment to enhance access to quality education for all 300,000 Missouri students who are eligible for its services, by 2032. To learn more about the organization, please visit kidsmartstl.org.