Let’s Fill 11,000 Backpacks!

Let’s Fill 11,000 Backpacks! By Jane Rivette

Yes, let’s fill 11,000 backpacks. One for every student identified as needy in Boulder Valley and Saint Vrain School Districts. Amazing that we have so many identified low-income students in such an affluent area, isn’t it?

Don’t worry, it isn’t JUST Mt. View working on this goal. This is our annual Crayons to Calculators School Supply Drive. Kind souls throughout the community partake in this drive. Hard to believe, yet soon the big box stores will be showcasing their school supplies. Suddenly the marker sets and glue sticks, rulers and pencils will be in plain sight to the dismay of school children and teachers everywhere. Many parents try to buy a little at a time and find the best deals. Each filled backpack is valued at $60-$80. Who knew how expensive crayons were?

If you happen by a bin of notebooks, perhaps you might buy one and put it in our collection bins. Just in case we don’t have a variety of collection bins in an obvious spot in the Narthex, you can put your donations in any bin and we will sort the materials.

Throughout the month of June, Mt. View is gathering and storing gently-used clothing to be sent to Four Corners Native American Ministry in Shiprock, NM. July 21 we will sort and box donated items in Barker Hall.

Not to mix this up with Crayons to Calculators donations taking place July 7- 28. Volunteer opportunities exist immediately. Go to CrayonsToCalculators.org. Other volunteer opportunities, such as packing backpacks and organizing supplies will take place July 2 – Aug. 2 at New Vista High School, 700 20th St. Boulder. Volunteer shifts are Monday

Thursday, 10:00 – 12:00 am or 1:00 – 3:00 pm. You may sign-up online or call Madeleine Chandler (303) 524-3865.

Mountain View UMC

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