DENVER -- More than 1,500 kids will be starting school this month carrying brand new backpacks full of supplies provided by The Salvation Army, Les Schwab Tires and generous Denver7 viewers.
Education can help children overcome poverty, but if a family cannot afford basics like pencils, rulers, and notebooks, it can be difficult for a child to learn. That's where programs like the Denver7 Pack A Backpack school supply drive are able to lend a hand and help alleviate that burden for hundreds of children and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of Denver7 viewers, more than $13,000 was raised to help buy backpacks and supplies this year. That's on top of the supplies that were donated at metro area Les Schwab Tires locations, which are listed as follows:
- 950 folders
- 600 boxes of crayons
- 575 rulers
- 375 packs of pencils
- 400 packs of highlighters
- 150 backpacks
Another 500 backpacks were donated by Eon and all were stuffed by Denver7 and Les Schwab Tires volunteers before they distributed to students whose families have gone to The Salvation Army for help, as well as local schools throughout metro Denver.
“Having the right tools to succeed on the first day can make all the difference,” said Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Mike Dickinson. “When students are prepared, they have more confidence and excitement about learning. We want every student to have the opportunity to succeed.”
Families seeking assistance can call The Salvation Army at (303) 295-3366 or contact their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center.