Backpack Society continues to expand

More than a year after its inception, the Backpack Society non-profit organization continues to grow, both in feeding local families and students and expanding its facilities.

In 2020, Highlands Ranch resident June Everett knew of Douglas County students and families who were starving. Initially, data showed that nearly 300 students in the Highlands Ranch alone and 8,000 across the district qualified for free and discounted lunches.

Everett knew there was a need and started a pilot program with ThunderRidge High School that allowed students to get backpacked food all week.

Everett said the plan was back in early 2020 to start the pilot program to see how things would go. Then the pandemic struck and students were sent home to study online. That meant more students were starving, she said.

“The demand just grew overnight,” said Everett. “We knew that when a student needs help, the whole family needs help. We continued what we did for families as often as necessary during the pandemic. “

Everett’s idea of ​​helping out in Douglas County began with donating groceries through her garage. The Backpack Society eventually moved to a donated facility that it said was remote and difficult to find.

In March, the Backpack Society moved into what Everett hopes will be a permanent home on 213 W. County Line Road in Littleton. The new facility enables the volunteer organization to store and donate food more consistently, Everett said.

When schools returned to face-to-face learning this year, Everett said she was again working directly with local schools to ensure students were getting enough food throughout the week.

After starting one school in 2020, the program has grown to include catering for students at 25 schools in Lone Tree, Sedalia, Highlands Ranch and Littleton.

Everett said the number of students calling for help fluctuates from week to week. The highest number of students who received help in any given week was 45.

For families, Everett said, the Backpack Society distributes between 20 and 25 grocery boxes a week to families across Douglas County and the region.

“From the beginning, I knew there was a need just by looking at the numbers,” said Everett. “The reality is that there are only children who need help and we are here to continue to provide it.”

Going forward, Everett said, she will continue to work to expand the program by working with local schools to build pantries that will also provide snacks and meal assistance to teachers in need.

Everett said the program is completely confidential and another goal for the coming year is to get more publicity to let those in need know that help is out there.

To raise awareness of the Backpack Society’s important services, a special ribbon cutting ceremony was planned on September 28 at 4 p.m. at the new location.

Backpack Society relies 100% on donations and grants to keep the doors open. To learn more, visit the website at Backpacksociety.org.