As memories of splashing at the pool and eating frozen treats start to melt away, young residents bid farewell to another summer of fun as they start back to school. While beginning a new school year is often filled with lots of anticipation and excitement, it can also be a time of stress and financial strain for many families.

Many families face the grim reality of the real cost of education at this time of year. The price for backpacks, clothes, and other supplies can add up quickly, especially for single parents and larger households. Mercy Housing Mountain Plains (MHMP) tries to alleviate that burden every year with backpack and school supply drives at our family properties.

The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics annual back-to-school survey found that “families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend $696.70 on average to get ready for the school year.” This type of expenditure can really hit families hard and can make choosing between school supplies and other family expenses very difficult.

Over the past several months, backpack and school supply drives, along with giveaway events, were hosted at Mercy Housing properties throughout the Denver Metro area, giving families the opportunity to receive the much-needed supplies to start school. Paper, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, and more filled brand-new backpacks for kids entering grades K-12.

Of course, all this wouldn’t have been possible without some incredible help from the community.

MHMP is very thankful this year to have been able to partner with some amazingly generous sponsors that ensured all young residents were ready to start the year off with the right tools for success. Special thanks to Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), Kentwood Real Estate at Cherry Creek, ANB Bank, U.S. Lawns, Foresters Financial, and Teammates Commercial Interiors for helping support our communities with their generosity.

This was the third year that Ritchy, a Senior Loan Consultant with New American Funding and member of DMAR, has participated in the backpack drive. He appreciated the opportunity to be able to give back to the young residents at Mercy Housing’s Bluff Lake Apartments again this year.

“I’ve enjoyed the response and support from Mercy Housing and know the kids appreciate the support and supplies. Every child should be well prepared for school as I believe that is fundamental to their success.”

Over 430 backpacks or school supply kits were given out this year to younger residents at six different properties in the Denver Metro area. Picking out these new packs left huge smiles on a lot of little faces!

Good luck to all Mercy Housing students as they begin the new school year with confidence and build a bright future for themselves and our community!