DENVER -- 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. The Denver7 Pack A Backpack school supply drive alleviates that burden for hundreds of children and their families.
“If I didn’t have pens or pencils or things like that – it would put a toll on me and my kiddos,” said mother of two Jasmine Herrera.
Denver7 is again joining forces with The Salvation Army and Les Schwab Tires in helping children show up for school ready to learn. During the month of July, you can donate supplies on the list below at any Les Schwab Tires location or you can visit packabackpack.org to make a cash donation. A contribution of just $15 can provide one fully ready backpack for a child in need.
“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.”
The supplies donated will benefit families who come to The Salvation Army for help, as well as local schools throughout metro Denver.
“I think the budget would probably give on school clothes,” Herrera said when asked what she would have to give up if her kids did not get supplies through the Pack A Backpack campaign. “I wouldn’t be able to get as many school clothes for them, so like I said, the school supplies would tremendously help with that.”
Click here to find a Les Schwab Tires location near you. Click here to make a monetary donation in any amount.
Donations needed include backpacks, boxes of crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, #2 pencils, big erasers, highlighters, scissors, Elmer’s glue, folders, 2” binders, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, rulers, and other basic school supplies.
Families seeking assistance can call The Salvation Army at (303) 295-3366 or contact their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center.