Packed with Love: Catholic Charities School Supply Backpacks

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities)

In a powerful show of community generosity and compassion, Catholic Charities has completed its most successful School Supply Drive to date — delivering 1,050 fully-loaded backpacks to children from Kindergarten through high school across the Denver Metro area and Northern Colorado.

These backpacks, filled to the brim with age-appropriate supplies, represent more than pencils and notebooks — they symbolize dignity, confidence and hope for students whose families are struggling to make ends meet.

Each year, Catholic Charities mobilizes a network of parish partners, volunteers and donors to provide school essentials to children served by Catholic Charities ministries. This year’s record-breaking collection — made possible by the faithful generosity of seven Catholic parishes — reached more children than ever before.

Backpacks are being distributed to students across 12 Catholic Charities ministries, ensuring that children in a wide range of vulnerable situations have the tools they needed to begin the school year strong. From children living at Samaritan House and Catholic Charities Housing to siblings in our Early Childhood Education programs to families served by our emergency assistance teams and through Marisol Services, the backpacks are going to the neighbors who need them most.

This holistic reach underscores Catholic Charities’ deep commitment to walking alongside families — not just at the start of the school year, but throughout life’s challenges.

A Grandparent’s Gratitude

For Mary*, a grandmother raising two young grandchildren on a fixed income, the gift of a backpack means more than school supplies — it means being able to give her grandkids the same back-to-school joy that other children experience.

“I want them to feel like they belong when they walk through the classroom doors,” she said as she picked up backpacks through the Catholic Charities Kinship program. “This backpack was packed with care — and love. It may seem small, but for families like ours, it’s a lifeline.”

She paused, holding back tears.

“I try to give them everything I can, but it’s hard," she said. "Catholic Charities really helps us carry the load. And knowing others in the community care enough to donate — well, that means the world.”

Supporting Children Across Our Ministries

The School Supply Drive is one of many ways Catholic Charities uplifts and accompanies children and families facing hardship. While each backpack meets a practical need, the deeper mission is to ensure every child — no matter their background or circumstance — has the opportunity to succeed.

“Our children deserve every chance to start the school year with dignity and confidence,” said Darren Walsh, President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “We serve thousands of children each year through ministries that include Samaritan House, Catholic Charities Housing, Marisol Services, early childhood education programs and family support services like St. Raphael Counseling and Kinship. Many of these children face significant challenges, and something as simple as a new backpack can be a big step toward stability and hope.

“We’re profoundly grateful to our Catholic parishes and community supporters who made this record-setting year possible," Walsh continued. "Their generosity reflects the best of who we are as a faith community — lifting up those in need and showing our youngest neighbors that they are seen, loved and supported.”

Reaching Families Where They Are

From urban shelters to counseling offices to stable housing communities, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers make sure backpacks are delivered where they are most needed.

Some backpacks are placed directly in the hands of children living at Samaritan House, where families are working toward long-term stability. Others are distributed at Catholic Charities Housing properties and to clients receiving home-based counseling, emergency assistance and immigration support.

Children at Marisol Homes — Catholic Charities’ housing for single mothers — receive backpacks tailored to their age and school needs, while Marisol Family and Marisol Health locations help meet the needs of expectant mothers and young families. Even Catholic Charities’ amazing receptionist, Jane Bustamante, at our Smith Road administrative office makes sure children who walk through our doors have what they need for school.

“We’re not just giving out supplies,” said Deacon A.J. Misiti, parish engagement director, who helped coordinate the effort. “We’re meeting families where they are and helping them take the next step forward — with dignity.”

The Parishes Who Made It Happen

This incredible impact wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our seven parish partners, who hosted donation drives and inspired their communities to act.

• Shrine of St. Anne Parish in Arvada

• Spirit of Christ Parish in Arvada

• St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Golden

• St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial

• Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Denver

• Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Foxfield

• St. Mary’s Parish in Littleton

We also extend a special shout out to Christ the King Catholic Parish and School in Denver, who not only donated backpacks but also graciously hosted Catholic Charities’ central drop-off and sorting site again this year.

The drive was made possible through faith-based generosity from parishes. Parishioners of all ages participated in the effort, from children donating supplies from their own school lists to retirees volunteering to sort and stuff backpacks by grade level. We even enjoyed help from BOK Financial who provided some amazing volunteers who helped us collect, sort and organize the backpacks.

Looking Ahead

The Catholic Charities School Supply Drive is part of a larger mission: to accompany families year-round, through moments of need and growth alike.

“This year’s success shows what’s possible when the community comes together in love,” said Emma Ramirez, respect life director, who has been involved in the Catholic Charities School Supply Drive for the past two years. “It’s not just about school — it’s about showing children they matter.”

As students walk into their classrooms this fall — backpacks on their shoulders, smiles on their faces — the entire Catholic Charities family celebrates a milestone of compassion and connection. These backpacks may get used up and outgrown, but the message carried inside each one will last:

You are loved. You are not alone. And we’re here with you every step of the way.

Want to Help?

To support next year’s School Supply Drive or any of our donation drives through Catholic Charities — or to get your parish involved in year-round efforts to serve families — visit ccdenver.org or contact Deacon A.J. Misiti at parish@ccdenver.org.

*Name changed for privacy.