In cities across the United States, thousands of kids start their academic year without the proper school supplies. Not having the right tools to learn and grow their skills can put these kiddos at a disadvantage and have a huge impact on their social-emotional health.

With the support of many of Mercy Housing’s community partners and volunteers, drawing attention to these needs during the summer months has become a yearly focus to ensure the start of each new school year is a positive experience for the younger residents at Mercy Housing.

Enter Foresters Financial.

Last month, Mercy Housing friends at Foresters Financial in Denver kicked off one of the many backpack/school supply drives being held throughout the Mountain Plains region. The drive took place at Decatur Place Apartments, a four-story family housing development, where the majority of families have experienced homelessness and are in dire need of basic living items.

Foresters Financial is a life insurance provider with offices throughout the United States. One thing that sets them apart is their commitment to families in need. Titina Folliero, Member Development Coordinator at Foresters, helped organize the recent Backpack and School Supply Giveaway event at Decatur Place in Denver, CO.

“Part of our mission is about families and giving back to communities. Foresters reinvests its profits back into the organization and uses the funding to create volunteer activities that directly supports local communities, as well as other benefits that involve member development,” said Titina.

Close to twenty Foresters’ members gathered at Decatur to assemble and distribute backpacks. Over 74 backpacks were provided to school-age children ages 5-18.  Foresters purchased all the backpacks and the school supplies that filled each pack. Supplies included folders, paper, pencils, markers, crayons, index cards, scissors, ruler, and colored pencils.

Jeanette is a Resident Services Coordinator at Decatur Place and was impressed by the wonderful volunteers who showed up to support this event.

“The volunteers who participated are people who purchase financial products from Foresters. They are just everyday people who wanted to volunteer and were really great,” said Jeanette.

The experience was very rewarding and a win-win for everyone involved. Titina appreciated the opportunity for Foresters to give back and “witness firsthand the impact the backpacks made on the children.”

“It was especially moving to see many of the moms tear up and say thank you,” Titina shared.

Foresters is already geared up for future volunteer activities with Mercy Housing and we couldn’t be more excited! The next event will take place this fall at Grace Apartments in Denver and will include personal hygiene and household item kits for the residents.