The Salvation Army Sets Pack A Backpack Record
The Salvation Army Sets Pack A Backpack Record
Partnership with Denver7 and Les Schwab Tire Centers fills 4,200 backpacks
(DENVER, COLORADO) – Thousands of children are heading back to school with supplies
they’d otherwise have to go without, thanks to The Salvation Army’s annual Pack A Backpack
campaign, in partnership with Denver7 and Les Schwab Tire Centers.
The Salvation Army (TSA) reached a new milestone this year, handing out a record-breaking 4,200
backpacks filled with new school supplies to children in need across Colorado.
School districts in the Denver metro area had reported as much as a 25 percent increase over the
last year in the number of families seeking financial assistance for school supplies.
“The need is higher than it has ever been for the families we serve through The Salvation Army,”
said TSA Intermountain Divisional Commander Nesan Kistan. “It’s devastating to think students
would have to start the school year without the essentials needed to be successful in the classroom.
This backpack drive allows them to walk into school every day, confident and excited to learn.”
This year’s Pack A Backpack campaign brought in nearly $47,000 worth of donations and school
supplies, including a $7,500 match from the Scripps Howard Fund, the parent company of
Denver7.
“Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community,” said Brian Joyce, Vice President
& General Manager of Denver7. “Supporting Pack A Backpack with a $7,500 matching grant is
more than just a donation – it’s an investment in the future of our children. We believe every
student should have the tools they need to succeed, and by partnering with The Salvation Army,
Les Schwab Tire Centers and our community on this program, we’re helping ensure every student
starts the school year prepared and confident.”Les Schwab Tire Centers collected thousands of school supplies at stores across the Denver metro
area throughout the monthlong campaign. They joined staff from The Salvation Army and Denver7
during a backpack assembly event in July and helped to distribute backpacks to families at The
Salvation Army Aurora Corps.
“None of this is possible without the help of our community,” said Major Kistan. “Denver7 and Les
Schwab Tire Centers went above and beyond for us, sending volunteers to do everything from
packing school supplies to helping kids pick out their favorite colored backpack during our
distribution events.”
The Salvation Army accepts donations year-round to support students throughout the school year.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army (TSA) annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty,
addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the
hungry, emergency re- lief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and
alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the
most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country.
For more information, visit
TSA Intermountain Division or SalvationArmy- USA.org.