C.A.C.T.U.S. History

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C.A.C.T.U.S. was started in August 2000 by Linda Mackesty in memory of her granddaughter, Kayla Marie Adkins (see picture).  Kayla lost her life on July 31, 1999 in a bicycle accident at age nine.  Kayla loved school so Linda decided to buy some school supplies for the students of the Sedalia 200 School District where Kayla had attended.  The first year she handed out about $780 of supplies with the help of family and friends.  The next year, her effort extended to all of the Pettis County schools and 259 backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out.  In 2003, C.A.C.T.U.S. became a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity.  For several years, C.A.C.T.U.S. partnered with Missouri Valley Human Action Agency on their Back to School Fair.  The number of backpacks has continued to grow with over 1800 filled backpacks being handed out during recent years.  School supplies are also handed out during the school year as needed.  In February 2010, C.A.C.T.U.S. entered into a partnership with Altrusa International, Inc. of Sedalia, Missouri to insure its continuation serving the Pettis County area.  C.A.C.T.U.S. also is an agency partner with Sedalia-Pettis County United Way.