The Ames community came together in a remarkable show of support for local children and families as the new school year approaches. On August 6, the Ames Police Department, in collaboration with various community partners, hosted the annual National Night Out event at Ames Middle School, attracting an impressive turnout of approximately 2,500 attendees. This year’s event featured a range of activities and provided essential items to families in need, including 839 pairs of shoes, over 900 pairs of socks, 700 bike helmets, and 12 bicycles. Additionally, 1,100 meals consisting of hot dogs, chips, and fruit snacks were served.

Following this, the annual Blast Back to School event took place on August 14, also at Ames Middle School, drawing another record crowd. This initiative, supported by over $21,000 in donations and grants, distributed 1,700 backpacks filled with school supplies to students throughout Story County.

The success of these events was attributed to the strong collaboration among local businesses, churches, and organizations, which played a crucial role in meeting the needs of the community. Chief of Police Jeff Hough highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of children, noting that the addition of shoes this year was particularly well-received by parents.

Officer Nate Rivera, who helped organize the National Night Out, emphasized the event's focus on providing resources to underserved populations, aiming to enhance social mobility and support families in need. Both events not only celebrated community spirit but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives, with plans already in motion to improve logistics and expand offerings for next year.

Pastor Robert Knight, representing a local church, reflected on the long-standing tradition of community collaboration to ensure that all students start the school year on equal footing, underscoring the importance of unity in addressing educational needs. The community's commitment to supporting its youth was evident, and organizers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming participation and support received.