Backpacks filled with summer fun for local kids

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Soon, schools across the Grand Valley will be headed to summer break. For many kids, that means a summer of sports, hanging out with friends, and having fun. But, there are many children who may not have the financial means to participate.

The Mesa County Workforce Center filled more than 1,200 backpacks with different learning activities, beach towels, sunglasses, sunscreen and other fun summer activities for kids who are part of the center’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, as well as the Childcare Assistance and the Child Welfare programs.

“We started the summer backpack program for kids to be able to have a lot of different summer activities they could do,” said Curtis Englehart, Mesa County Workforce Center director. “It’s got a bunch of stuff in there, where they wouldn’t necessarily be able to get those on their own. We’re able to get that to them quickly and it’s a really great quality backpack as well that they can use going into the next school year.”

Englehart says the workforce center organizes backpack programs throughout the year, but this was the first one that has been specifically geared towards the summer.

“We’ve gotten great feedback on these and that’s why we wanted to do a summer backpack program,” said Englehart. “The feedback we’ve received in the past has always been very positive and people have been very thankful for what they’ve been able to receive through this.”

“We’re really trying to be proactive in making sure we’re getting kids within the valley, what they need to really be able to prepare them with some fun activities and just a really fun and safe summer,” said Englehart. “That’s really what we’re doing here and we’re really proud of that.”

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