C.A.C.T.U.S. Community And Children Teaming Up for Success     "A child is like a CACTUS, even in the face of adversity they can bloom with just a little bit of care."  What is CACTUS? CACTUS is a program sponsored by the Center for Family Services, Inc. that assists financially struggling families provide bookbags and school supplies to their children in kindergarten through highschool.  This program helps all eligible students regardless if they are in public school, private school or home schooled.  History     The original CACTUS program was started in Sedalia, MO. in 2000 by Linda Mackesty in honor of her grandaughter, Kayla.  9 year old Kayla loved to carry her bookbag and school supplies with her wherever she went.  Tragically, she was killed in 1999 by a drunk driver.  CACTUS was formed to honor Kayla's memory by providing bookbags and supplies to children in need. Kim Raszman (Kayla's Aunt) brought CACTUS to the Center for Family Services, Inc. in 2004. That first year, 84 children in Crawford County, PA received new bookbags and supplies.  In 2009, CACTUS helped 392 children  start the new school year with the tools they needed to suceed.     Why CACTUS?      It costs approximately $25 to $35 per child for an average household to supply thier children with a bookbag and required supplies for a new school year.  This may not sound like a burden to most, but for many families, this means a choice between buying groceries, making part of a rent or mortgage payment or gas in the family vehicle.   Especially, if that familly has multiple school age children. There is always a need, but recent economic changes have increased the number of families who will find it hard to give their sons and daughters the basic tools to succeed in school. CACTUS will provide a new bookbag and new supplies to qualified students.  The program coordinator and volunteers fill each bag specifically for the child's grade and requirement of their school district.  How YOU can Help!     CACTUS is entirely volunteer run.  Although this program is sponsored by the Center for Family Services, Inc., it receives no funding from federal, state or local government agencies or from private foundations.  These children rely on the generosity of the community.  Community And Children Teaming Up for Success. Attend or promote the many fundraising events for CACTUS.  Volunteer! There are many ways to lend a hand, please contact us to find out how. Host your own fundraiser to benefit CACTUS.  Please let the Center know if you are interested in sponsoring an event, we like to recognize our community partners! Donate new bookbags and supplies Make a monetary donation to CACTUS  How Can My Children Receive Items through CACTUS? 2011 Regsitration is closed.     2011 Events Meadville Walgreens STUFF THE BUS July 13!   Meadville Family Video : July 30 Meadville PA 12pm - 6pm Donation locations: TBA Donate a $1 Cards in the month of July 2011: Meadville Walgreens, Meadville Family Video, Mickeys Central Fire Station  (If your business is interseted in participating contact us)