School Year Kickoff
School Year Kickoff
Join us for a day of fun, resources, and community designed to help children and families prepare for the year ahead.
School Year Kickoff
🗓️ Saturday, August 1
🕙 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 The Foster Network, 620 S. Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Hosted in partnership with Foster605, the School Year Kickoff event brings together community partners to help children and families start the school year with the resources, support, and connections they need.
Families attending the event will have the opportunity to:
Receive backpacks through The Banquet's Project: SOS Program (while supplies last)
Receive new shoes, socks, and underwear from The Foster Network (while supplies last)
Connect with community organizations and resources
Enjoy free family-friendly activities
Receive free haircuts from licensed barbers and hairstylists
Learn about programs and services available throughout the year
If your family is unable to attend School Year Kickoff, please contact Kaitlin Smeby at Kaitlin.Smeby@thefosternet.org to discuss available options.
Community Partners
Shop Our Wish List
Want to help children start the school year with confidence? Shop our wish list and donate needed items for the School Year Kickoff. Your generosity helps provide essential items and support for children and families preparing for the year ahead.
Together, we can help make sure every child starts the school year strong.
Get Involved
The School Year Kickoff wouldn't be possible without the support of volunteers. From welcoming families and assisting with activities to helping distribute resources, volunteers help create a positive and memorable experience for everyone who attends.
Join us in helping children and families start the school year strong.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Volunteer
We're looking for organizations, businesses, and community resources to join our School Year Kickoff Resource Fair. This event connects children and families with valuable services, support, and opportunities available throughout our community.
Last year, more than 450 children were served through the School Year Kickoff, and we're hoping to reach even more families this year. We'd love to have you join us!
Resource Fair Vendors
Help children start the school year with confidence by providing free haircuts at our School Year Kickoff on August 1. Licensed hairstylists and barbers are invited to volunteer for all or part of the event.
Interested in helping? Sign up to volunteer today.
Hairstylists & Barbers
Gather your coworkers, friends, church, or community group and help stock the School Year Kickoff with much-needed items. Hosting a drive is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and help children start the school year prepared and ready to learn.
Host A Drive
Going back to school can be exciting, but for children experiencing foster care, it can also bring added stress during an already difficult season of life.
Your gift helps provide essentials like new shoes, underwear, clothing, and hygiene items so children can begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and the support of a community that cares.
Make a donation today to help children and families prepare for the new school year.
Make A Financial
Donation
Back-to-School Shopping
To help foster, adoptive, and kinship families prepare for the upcoming school year, The Foster Network is offering extended back-to-school shopping appointments throughout August.
All back-to-school shopping visits during August are by appointment. New placements are always welcome and may continue to visit The Closet throughout the month for clothing and essential items as they transition into care.
August Shopping Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
*Back-to-School Shopping appointments start on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Important Information
New shoes, socks, underwear, and backpacks will be distributed only during School Year Kickoff on Saturday, August 1, while supplies last.
If your family is unable to attend School Year Kickoff, please contact Kaitlin Smeby at Kaitlin.Smeby@thefosternet.org to discuss available options.
