Everyone remembers the back-to-school jitters, a thrilling mix of excitement and nerves that comes with a new school year. For many, that excitement is amplified by walking in on the first day with a new backpack filled with supplies, dreaming of all the wonderful things to come. This year, Sporting Kansas City and the Community Impact team aimed to spread that joy and support students across the Kansas City metro area.
“We all have a memory associated with going back to school and starting the year with new items,” shared Maigan Bridgette, the Community Impact Manager. “You remember how you felt. This is why this initiative spoke to so many associates and why we had so many who wanted to be a part of it in some way, whether that was purchasing supplies, spreading the word to SKC partners, loading cars full of backpacks, etc.”
This year marked the second annual "Adopt a Backpack and School Supply Drive," a heartwarming event organized by Sporting Kansas City in collaboration with Hope Center KC. More than 80 Sporting Kansas City front office associates and players came together, fueled by a shared commitment to make a difference. Last year's success, when they partnered with Guadalupe Centers to adopt a classroom, set a hopeful precedent for this year's efforts.
“Something really special about this project is that it showcases the community-focused heart of the club, its associates, and partners,” Bridgette emphasized, capturing the spirit of collaboration that defines this initiative.
Sporting Kansas City forward Mason Toye was one of the first to sign up to adopt a backpack, ensuring his student, Carter, was ready for his first day, complete with a new Sporting kit. The enthusiasm was contagious as associates, players, and coaching staff eagerly answered the call, excited to contribute to these meaningful memories for students.
Sporting adopted a total of 75 backpacks, each personalized with a child's name, grade, interests, and a school supply list. SKC associates embraced the opportunity to volunteer for this event, whether by adopting a personal backpack, purchasing supplies, or helping assemble the backpacks with supplies and other sporting swag.
This initiative was part of the Sporting Cares Platform, a beacon of hope aimed at fostering positive change and ensuring that no member of the community faces adversity alone. The platform aspires to create a united community by providing a responsive and nurturing hand during challenging times. Through it, they assist those affected by natural disasters and family tragedy, provide monetary donations to local nonprofits, and host various drives (i.e., book drives, blood drives, food drives).
On Tuesday, August 5th, Sporting associates gathered with enthusiasm, ensuring every bag was filled with the right supplies, sporting swag donated by SportingStyle, water bottles, and heartfelt handwritten letters of encouragement for each student.
Messages like “You got this!” “Have a wonderful school year!” and “Be you, you’re already amazing,” filled each backpack with warmth and inspiration. The Sporting office buzzed with excitement as associates united to ensure every child received exactly what they needed, along with thoughtful extras. Laughter, smiles, and stories of their own first days of school were shared as associates poured love into each bag, creating an atmosphere of joy.
Sporting KC players and associates hand-delivered the completed backpacks to Hope Center KC. Mason Toye, Stephen Afrifa, and Zorhan Bassong surprised students by personally delivering each backpack at the event, ensuring they were ready for the school year ahead. This uplifting event took place at "The Gathering KC," a new non-profit venue revitalized by local architects to serve as a vibrant space for community engagement.
The initiative garnered support from numerous partners who contributed supplies and assistance at the event. Sporting provided delicious sandwiches and cookies donated by Price Chopper and ice cream from Highland Dairy. Sporting KC’s mascot, Blue, energized the crowd, ensuring no one left without an ice cream sandwich.
The room overflowed with excitement and smiles as each student received their backpack, and some Sporting associates even had the chance to meet the student whose backpack they adopted, creating heartwarming moments of community connection.
“It has been exciting to see how this platform and initiatives take shape and grow in impact,” Bridgette reflected with hope. “I am looking forward to continuing to do good work alongside our community.”
To learn more about what Sporting KC's Community Impact team is doing, visit www.sportingkc.com/community for all the latest news and information.