Katy Christian Ministries Calls on Community to Support Local Students with Red Apple & Happy Feet Back-to-School Drive
As summer presses on and the back-to-school season approaches, Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) is once again rallying the community to support its Red Apple School Supplies and Happy Feet programs—two vital initiatives aimed at helping underserved Katy ISD students start the school year with confidence, dignity, and the essentials they need to succeed.
For more than 30 years, the Red Apple program has been a beacon of hope for local families in need, supplying thousands of students with backpacks full of new school supplies. Now in its fifth year, the complementary Happy Feet program provides each registered child with a brand-new pair of shoes—ensuring that children not only walk into the classroom prepared, but also proud.
Last year alone, these initiatives served over 1,000 children across Katy ISD. In 2025, KCM anticipates an even greater need and has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $70,000 to ensure no child is left behind.
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“Each summer, we collect funds to provide school supplies, backpacks, and a new pair of shoes to Katy ISD students grades K-12 who need a little help to start off their school year,” the organization shared. “Our need is big, but our God is bigger.”
According to Katy ISD’s 2023 demographic reports, approximately 37% of the district’s nearly 95,000 students are classified as economically disadvantaged—a figure that underscores the critical importance of programs like Red Apple and Happy Feet. Many of these families struggle to cover the rising cost of school supplies, which averaged $890 per child in 2024, according to the National Retail Federation.
For just $60, community members can sponsor a complete set: a backpack, essential supplies, and a new pair of shoes. Donations are being accepted through August 30, 2025, via KCM’s secure online portal, by mail, or in person at the KCM Administration Office on Porter Road.
How to Get Involved
Katy area residents are encouraged to support the initiative in several ways:
Make a Monetary Donation
- Online: Donate HERE
- By check: Payable to Katy Christian Ministries, include “Red Apples” in the memo, and mail to P.O. Box 986, Katy, TX 77492
- In person: Drop off cash or checks at 3506 Porter Road, Katy, TX 77493 (Mon–Thurs, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are essential in organizing and distributing supplies. Visit ktcm.org/volunteers/special-events to sign up.
“We need your assistance to meet this goal and make this a successful school year for children in need,” KCM emphasized. “Thank you for supporting Katy Christian Ministries’ annual Red Apple School Supplies Program and transforming lives through God’s grace and the generosity of the community.”
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More Than Just School Supplies
KCM serves as a critical safety net for Katy and West Houston families. Established in 1984 by a coalition of nine churches, the organization has grown to include 65 coalition churches, four operational locations, and a service area that spans 13 zip codes across Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties.
Through its four core programs—Social Services, Food Pantry, Crisis Center, and Resale Stores—KCM addresses a wide range of community needs, from domestic violence support to financial coaching and hunger relief. The Red Apple and Happy Feet initiatives are part of a network of 20 sub-programs tailored to restore stability and build resilience among local families.
And while rooted in Christian values, KCM serves all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
“We rely on area churches, local businesses, corporations, and individuals for support,” KCM notes. “There are many opportunities to get involved and to help us fulfill our mission of creating self-sufficient communities through Christ’s love.”
As back-to-school preparations begin, Katy Christian Ministries is inviting the community to join hands in creating a stronger start for every child—one backpack and one pair of shoes at a time.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on Katy-area community programs, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
