WELCOME TO PROJECT APPLE TREE!
Project Apple Tree is a ministry of Helping Hands Ministry of Belton devoted to partnering with local families to prepare students for success in school and beyond.
Started by Jeannette Kelley, a retired educator and passionate advocate for children, Project Apple Tree began by providing school supplies, clothes, and shoes to local students to make sure every child in our community was prepared for a great first day of school and a successful school year. For more than 20 years, through the countless hours and resources of hundreds of volunteers, churches, local businesses, and community groups, Project Apple Tree has served thousands of Belton ISD students by helping their families have access to the supplemental resources students need to succeed in school.
As our community grows, Helping Hands Ministry is committed to making sure families have access to the tools and relationships they need to help their children thrive on the first day of school and year-round.
SPONSOR A STUDENT!
There are several ways you can help set a student up for success in the 2025-26 school year!
Purchase a new backpack and bring it to Helping Hands Ministry
Purchase a new pair of sneakers or socks and bring it to Helping Hands Ministry or shop our wishlists below
Cover the costs for a student’s school supplies, backpack, and a new pair of shoes ($50)
To combat weekend food insecurity, Helping Hands Ministry has partnered with Belton ISD to provide weekend snack packs for students at Southwest Elementary, Miller Heights Elementary, Chisholm Trail Elementary, South Belton Middle School, and Belton High School. A weekend snack pack includes a combination of breakfast items, protein items, juice, fruit, and snacks.
Weekend snack pack food is provided and packed by Helping Hands Ministry of Belton and distributed by Counselors at the school to students in need. $5 purchases a weekend snack pack for one student, or $180 purchases a student’s weekend snack packs for the full school year.
GEARING UP FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
Shoes and Backpack Registration is now open June 2-July 18th!
Shoes and backpack registration is open for kids entering grades pre-K through 12 in Belton ISD, Academy ISD, and Holland ISD. The shoes and backpack are $5 per child, no more than $20 per family. Payment is due at the time of registration; no refunds. Proof of enrollment could include a screenshot from Skyward or Parent portal.
The shoe and back store will be at BCYC on August 9th!