The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) donated more than $59,000 as part of its Kits for Kids campaign to provide school supplies for elementary students at Columbia Public Schools (CPS).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CPSF canceled its annual fall event, typically held in October. Instead the Foundation asked its sponsors and donors to contribute to the Kits for Kids campaign. This year, because of the pandemic, each elementary family was responsible for purchasing a pre-packaged school supply kit for their students. For some families, this price was out of reach. The Foundation pledged $25,000 and asked donors to raise an additional $25,000 to offset the cost.

“The Foundation is proud to be able to support our students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cindy Mustard, president of the CPSF board of directors. “We’re so pleased to see the community respond to help us provide school supplies for our elementary students.”

In total, the Foundation raised $34,230 from donors and sponsors. The Foundation solicited donations from individuals through a mailing and online campaign that is ongoing. The complete list of sponsors, as well as a link to donate, can be found on the Foundation’s website at patricks114.sg-host.com and on the attached page.

“We are grateful and appreciative of the way our community came together to support our students and our schools. The kits were well received by families and teachers alike and alleviated stress for all involved,” said Dr. Peter Stiepleman, CPS superintendent. “The Foundation has consistently stepped up to support our schools and our students so they have access to the resources and enrichment opportunities they need to succeed.”

In addition to the Kits for Kits donation, the Foundation previously donated $64,250 in funds to assist the district during the pandemic, including:

• High School Online Courses, $25,000: The donation funded up to 325 high school students to enroll in online classes during the month of May. This allowed the district to offer the online courses while the school year was still considered in session by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Summer Meal Program, $25,000: The Foundation supported the district’s efforts to continue to provide meals to students throughout the summer.
• Flu Shot Vaccines, $14,250: The grant provided free flu shot vaccines to CPS students. During October, flu vaccines were available free of charge to all students in grades pre-k through 12.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private foundation established by community volunteers dedicated to the enrichment of public education through community giving. The Foundation has funded projects in every school, allocating more than $1.2 million to enhance education in the Columbia Public Schools. CPSF was founded in 1996 and has supported teachers and students for more than 24 years.