4th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive

Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation (Rainbow) understands the financial strain that may be placed on a low-income family when it comes to providing the proper and necessary tools for their children to attend school. The average total for back-to-school supplies can cost a family up to $443 (National Retail Federation). Many low-income families cannot afford the necessary supplies to properly educate their children, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

How You Can Help
Over the course of the next three months (June through August 2012), Rainbow is looking to collect backpacks filled with school supplies. In the month of August, Rainbow and our team of community volunteers anticipate delivering over 2,500 backpacks to the low-income youth residing within our communities. Without your generous support, these youth might not otherwise have the means to obtain the needed school supplies for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. By donating your gently used backpack with working zippers, buying a new backpack, donating or buying school supplies, or making a cash tax-deductible donation of $35 online, you will offer a Rainbow-serviced, low-income youth the ability to pursue their education without the shame and fear associated with poverty. Please contact Ms. Stephanie Foster or (480) 467-3171 to inquire how you may donate.

History of the Back-to-School Program
Rainbow began the national “Back-to-School Backpack Program” in 2009. Starting small, Rainbow adopted families who resided within the communities we service. Rainbow was able to reach out to national partnerships and provide backpacks and school supplies to roughly 100 families. In 2010-11, Rainbow expanded on our vision to provide backpacks and school supplies to a greater number of children in need. Rainbow obtained commitments from partners and private citizens to provide more than 2,000 backpacks nationally to the youth in the communities we serve. Rainbow also partnered with Kohl’s department stores in Phoenix, Arizona and Houston, Texas to provide volunteers to assist with stuffing the backpacks with school supplies and handing out the backpacks at the Back-to-School Event in each city.

Spread the Word
Rainbow is now providing services to over 50 communities across the country and your support is needed to ensure that these youth are prepared to learn in the upcoming school year. Please help spread the word about the backpack drive by sharing the flyer (available in both English and Spanish as downloadable pdfs within your community. Corporate partners welcomed.