Backpack Bonanza

Broken pencils. Wadded up homework assignments. Books, crayons … and is that a chewed piece of gum? Or is that something much worse?

Around this time every year, our students manage to cram all sorts of detritus into their backpacks each day, only to bring it home to play the worst game of “Guess what this is” when they get home. Too often we forget: Some of those students might be going back to school with no backpack at all.

It’s why we’re proud each year to take part in Denver United Church’s annual backpack drive. Families who could use help giving their young students needed tools for learning get help from their communities to hit the ground reading when they report back to their classrooms. There are dozens of similar events around the metro area (just a few examples Denver Public Schools Foundation, Mile High United Way, and Kenzi’s Causes). We’re thankful for the volunteers, donations, and students so they can begin each year with the tools for success.

The donations aren’t just help; they’re also investments in our community so that tomorrow’s leaders can successfully learn today.