PACK TO SCHOOL distributes the children's backpacks at the temporary residence, so each child enters school with the required tools, just like everyone else. There's no stigma of getting charity at school, and each pack contains all of the basic tools required by the Denver Public School System.
PACK TO SCHOOL's directors take no salary, so virtually all funds raised go toward the purchase of backpacks and school supplies.
PACK TO SCHOOL is funded through foundation grants. Its yearly budget is about $20,000, which serves the majority of the children who pass through Denver's resident shelters.
PACK TO SCHOOL was named the "Best Demonstration Project" in 2001 by the National Association for the Education of Children and Homeless Youth. If you would like to know how you can start a similar program in your community, click below on our How-To page.
