KIDS IN NEED FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH DPS FOUNDATION TO DONATE 1,600 BACKPACKS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO DPS STUDENTS
DENVER, August 15, 2011 - In partnership with the Denver Public Schools
(DPS) Foundation, the Kids In Need Foundation will donate 1,600 backpacks filled with school supplies to needy children in Denver Public Schools. This generous donation is made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant awarded to the Kids In Need Foundation by the Staples Foundation for Learning. Staples and the Staples Foundation for Learning are longtime supporters of Kids In Need.
On the first day of school, 1,600 students will arrive in their classrooms to find brand new backpacks with all the supplies they need for a great start to the school year. Recipients are Kindergarteners through 5th graders at College View Elementary, Columbian Elementary, Ellis Elementary and Hallett Fundamental Academy. The sites were chosen based on each school's high rate of students on free and reduced lunch programs, a key indicator of poverty. Members of the media are invited to Ellis Elementary School at 1651 S. Dahlia Street for the backpack distribution on Thursday, August 18th at 8:00 a.m.
"Especially in this difficult economic climate, purchasing school materials can be a huge burden for many families in our school to bear," said Kyle Gamba, Principal at College View Elementary. "It's easy to take for granted that students will start a new school year with the basic materials they need to be successful in the classroom. And yet, every year, we see so many children who don't have that advantage."
"We are most appreciative of the grant we received from the Staples Foundation for Learning, making it possible to do this school supplies giveaway in Denver," said Dave Smith, executive director for the Kids In Need Foundation. "According to the 2010 Kids Count in Colorado report, the number of children living in poverty is growing at a faster pace in Colorado than anywhere else in the United States. The findings also report a stark difference in test scores between economically disadvantaged students and their peers from more stable home environments. We're thrilled to be able to help these children start the new school year prepared with tools to help them achieve academic success."
"This is really such a gift," said Deborah Tu-Tygrs, Principal at Columbian Elementary. "We sincerely appreciate the support of Kids in Need and Staples. As a result, our kids will have the supplies they need to make this an incredible year of learning."
About the Kids In Need Foundation
The Kids In Need Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization with offices in Dayton, Ohio, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1995, the Foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need. The Kids In Need National Network of Resource Centers includes 25 facilities where teachers from low-income schools go to obtain free school supplies for their students. In addition, two Kids In Need Teacher Grant programs provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning experiences for students. The Kids In Need Foundation has distributed more than $350 million in school supplies since its founding, directly benefiting
1.6 million students and 100,000 teachers annually, and has awarded $1.2 million in grants to teachers. Kids In Need has received Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating for three consecutive years, indicating that it operates in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America. For more information, visit www.kinf.org. Follow Kids In Need Foundation on Twitter, http://twitter.com/kidsinneed.
About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of various programs that drive student achievement for Denver's 81,000 students. Through strategic program investments and community leadership, we support Denver Public Schools in creating a district where outstanding educational achievements are the norm and all children have an opportunity of a great future. For more information, visit <http://www.dpsfoundation.org/