500 Students, Zero Empty Backpacks — Thanks To An Entire Town’s Support

August 15, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Back-to-school season is starting on a high note in Cape Girardeau, thanks to an annual backpack giveaway that’s making sure every student has what they need for the year ahead.

With classes beginning Tuesday, August 19, the Cape Central Junior High cheerleaders teamed up to fill hundreds of backpacks for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each bag was loaded with school essentials — rulers, notebooks, crayons, paper, pencil boxes, and more — all ready to be delivered to classrooms on the first day of school.

Cape Girardeau Public Schools

For cheerleader Shelby Matukewicz, giving back is a natural extension of the support the team receives all year long.

“The cheer team loves to help out with the community because our community does so much for us with like sponsoring our seasons and everything, so this is just a small act of kindness that we can do to give back to our community,” she said.

Her teammate, Holli Whitaker, shared how heartwarming it is to see the change over the years.

“I love to see how kids are not embarrassed to ask for backpacks anymore and how it’s so much nicer for just everybody to have what they need.”

School District Social Worker Carolyn Thomas says the program is a true reflection of Cape Public Schools’ mission.

“It means a lot to us because that’s what Cape Public School is all about. We’re all about helping our students and our families to succeed and to be able to be here in attendance, and whatever that takes. That’s what a public school tries to do to meet those needs.”

This year, more than 500 families signed up for the giveaway — a record that shows just how important the program has become. Thomas expressed deep gratitude to the community for donating supplies, funds, and time, and gave a special shout-out to the cheerleaders for bringing their trademark energy year after year.

The school district summed it up perfectly in a Facebook post:

“Every student will start on day one with the supplies they need to be successful thanks to the support of our incredible community partners! Our community always meets the needs of our students!”