The 2018-19 school year started out on a positive note for families from Lee’s Summit to Lone Jack, thanks to the generosity of the community and volunteers through Lee’s Summit Social Services.

LSSS Executive Director Matt Sanning and Office Manager Megan Salerno report thousands of school supply items, ranging from scissors and backpacks to shoes, shirts and crayons, were distributed to more than 500 children before the start of the school year.

“Again this year, our supporters and community partners came through to make sure the start of school was a positive experience for hundreds and hundreds of kids and families,” Sanning said.

“We couldn’t conduct our massive Back-to-School store and deliver on that commitment without all those donations and the countless hours of volunteerism from the wonderful people in our community.”

During the annual Back-to-School store event, the Lee’s Summit Social Services warehouse is transformed into a one-stop shop for families looking to fill their school supply list and have their children ready for the start of the school year. Volunteers from all segments of Lee’s Summit and beyond work daily to make sure the store runs smooth and each family has individualized attention.

This year, supplies and volunteer hours came from many companies and individuals, including Reece & Nichols, Keller Williams Platinum Partners, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, KCPL, Spire, Our Lady of the Presentation, Rejuvenate Mind-Body Wellness Center, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Philadelphia Insurance and others.

“Our volunteers are our lifeblood, especially during back-to-school and the holiday season,” Sanning said. “The gift of time is extremely important to us and we appreciate those volunteer hours more than we can ever say.”

For more information on Lee’s Summit Social Services, visit http://www.lssocialservices.com or call 816-525-4357.