Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

THE DENVER OUTLAWS AND COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS PARTNER TO GET HOMELESS KIDS READY FOR SCHOOL

Backpack and school supply drive means 200 homeless children in metro Denver will have a better chance to beat the odds and succeed when they return to the classroom

DENVER (July 25, 2011) — The Denver Outlaws have partnered with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless to collect backpacks and school supplies for homeless school-aged children. 

The Denver Outlaws will collect backpacks and school supplies during their lacrosse game at INVESCO Field this Saturday, July 30 at 7 p.m. Look for the Coalition signs near Gate 10.  Backpacks and school supplies may also be dropped off to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, 2111 Champa St. in Denver, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. through August 5.

Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to 200 school-aged children during the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ “Back to School Healthy Kids Fair,” where homeless children will receive the required immunizations, vision, hearing and dental screenings for school.  The Back to School Fair is August 6 at 2100 Stout St., Denver.

“I just told a child today (about the school supplies) and her eyes lit up,” said Renee Shykind, the Coalition’s Pediatric Health Services Coordinator and health fair lead organizer.  “These are things that homeless families just can’t afford.”

“The U.S. Bank team in Denver is pitching in by collecting backpacks and school supplies,” said Hassan Salem, president of U.S. Bank in Denver. “U.S. Bank Employee volunteers are looking forward to helping distribute stuffed backpacks at the Back to School Healthy Kids Fair, and assisting the medical staff with immunizations and screenings.”

Getting a strong start on the school year is vital for homeless children who have extra barriers when it comes to school attendance and learning.  Like other low-income children, they may start the day off malnourished and go home to a crowded, unsafe environment.  Homeless children are also likely to change schools two to three times in one year, falling behind academically four to six months with each move. 

There are an estimated 11,000 homeless people on any given night in the seven-county Denver metro area.  The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. CCH advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves.  Please visit us at www.coloradocoalition.org.

Part of Major League Lacrosse’s 2006 western expansion, the Outlaws have made the playoffs in each of their five seasons and have consistently led the league in attendance each year, averaging over 10,000 fans per game. The organization is managed by Edge Sports & Entertainment – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Denver Broncos Football Club. Outlaws 2012 season ticket specials are available now. For more information, contact the Outlaws ticket office at 303-OUTLAWS or visit www.DenverOutlaws.com.