Community Connections - Polk County

08/22/2026

Going on NOW (Saturday)while supplies last. FREE!

08/13/2026

We are proud to offer FREE showers for neighbors who are experiencing homelessness or who do not currently have access to clean water. No one should have to choose between dignity and circumstances. 💙

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving a shower voucher, contact our Housing Coordinator, Lauren, at 417-326-2769 ext. 1511 for more information.

Our shower program provides:
🧼 Five complimentary showers with each shower voucher
🪥 A hygiene kit
🧴 A fresh towel for each visit
⏱️ A 15-minute private shower

Neighbors who continue to need access to this service may receive additional shower vouchers. We are here to help provide a safe, clean, and dignified space for our community.

Shower Hours:
📅 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📅 Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

On Saturday, we handed out nearly 700 backpacks to students in Polk County. 🎒It’s always great to see our local families!

The event, led by Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar, Missouri, was a huge success thanks to the generous support of volunteer community groups, businesses, ministries, and organizations. 👏 We couldn’t have done it without you!

👉 Couldn't make it? Backpacks are still available! If your student needs school supplies, please call 417-326-4885. Supplies are limited.

08/08/2026

Another successful Back to School Extravaganza is in the books- so to speak! Thank you Kathy and Open Hearts United Methodist Church and the many folks who make back to school better for our county kiddos!

08/07/2026

The 2026 Polk County Back to School Extravaganza is tomorrow! 📚🖍🖇 All Polk County students are invited to receive FREE backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene products.

Here is everything you need to know:
🎒 Saturday, August 8th
🎒 8:00–10:00 a.m.
🎒 Bolivar High School
🎒 Drive-through event
🎒 Students MUST be in the vehicle
🎒 No financial requirements

See you tomorrow! 👋

08/07/2026

The Back to School Extravaganza is this Saturday at Bolivar High School! 📚🎉

Click through for all the need-to-know details. See you on Saturday!

Thank you to Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar Missouri for sponsoring this event.

08/06/2026

Today, we heard real stories from the Polk County Community Care Peer Council and gained valuable insights on how our community can better support those with substance use disorders.

Christina Bravata also shared information about available Rural Community Health Grants. Contact Christina at [email protected] to learn more.

👉 Join us for our next meeting on Thursday, September 3rd!

📚 Don't forget to come out to the Back-to-School Extravaganza this Saturday, August 8th, from 8–10 AM at Bolivar High School. This is a great opportunity for all Polk County students to receive free school supplies and more! (Note: Students must be present in the vehicle to participate.)

08/06/2026

Volunteers Needed 🚨

Open Hearts Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar Missouri is looking for volunteers this Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. to load supplies for the Back to School Extravaganza. If you have any questions, please contact the church at 417-326-4885.

👉 Volunteers Needed: Friday, August 7th at 7:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Open Hearts United Methodist Church (105 E. Division Street)
📚 Event Details: Back to School Extravaganza – Saturday, August 8th, 8:00–10:00 a.m. FREE school supplies and more! Note: Students must be in the vehicle to receive supplies.

08/05/2026

Join us tomorrow for Community Connections!

📆 Thursday, August 6th
📍 Bolivar First Assembly - BFA
⏰ 7:30am
🍩 Breakfast Provided
🗣️ Reducing Stigma Towards Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders

📚 Back To School Extravaganza - Saturday, August 8th, 8-10am, Free school supplies and more

See you there!