WELCOME TO PROJECT APPLE TREE!
Project Apple Tree is a ministry of Helping Hands Ministry of Belton devoted to partnering with local families in Belton ISD, Academy ISD and Holland ISD to prepare students for success in school and beyond. Founded by retired educator Jeannette Kelley, Project Apple Tree began with a simple goal: to ensure every child starts school prepared and confident by providing supplies, backpacks, and shoes. For over 20 years, with the support of volunteers, churches, and local partners, the program has served thousands of students.
As our community continues to grow, Helping Hands Ministry remains committed to equipping families with the resources and support their children need to thrive. We’ve expanded to combat weekend food insecurity by partnering with Belton ISD to provide weekend snack packs for students at Southwest Elementary, Hubbard Branch Elementary, Chisholm Trail Elementary, South Belton Middle School, and Belton High School. A weekend meal bag includes a combination of breakfast items, protein items, juice, fruit, and snacks. Weekend meal bag food is provided and packed by Helping Hands Ministry of Belton and distributed by Counselors at the school to students in need.
THE 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
We provided over 620 students with grade level school supply packets and 400+ students with new shoes, backpacks and essentials to start the school year off successfully! There’s still time to be involved by sponsoring our ongoing weekend meal bag program in Belton ISD. We provide around 375 students meals every single week and extended break with nutritious food. Get involved today by sponsoring a meal bag!
SPONSOR A STUDENT!
There are several ways you can help set a student up for success in the 2026-27 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)
$5 purchases a weekend snack pack for one student, or $180 purchases a student’s weekend snack packs for the full school year.