In 2008, Intercommunity Mercy Housing (with the help and support of caring individuals and local businesses) was able to mount a hugely successful back-to-school drive. Using both purchased and donated materials, IMH staff and volunteers filled 474 new backpacks with an assortment of school supplies, including binders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, erasers, rulers and paper. The backpacks were distributed to children at back-to-school events at IMH properties.

Our 2009 goal is to provide 650 filled backpacks to youth at 18 of our properties. Many of our families are large families coming from homelessness or other sub-standard housing situations and simply do not have the money to go out and purchase school supplies.

We’ll be able to fill most of the backpacks with existing partnerships and donors. Where we need the most help is in serving the kids who live at 1 property in Oak Harbor and 2 properties in Snohomish County and 1 property in Spokane County.

How can you help?

• Make a financial contribution
• Buy some of the supplies listed
• Join a backpack stuffing party
• Help deliver backpacks to residents

If you are interested in donating, please contact Katie Parker with Intercommunity Mercy Housing. Her email address is kparker@mercyhousing.org or you can call 206-838-5700.

Thanks again for your consideration and support!