850 Mesa County Students Get Free Backpacks

Some 850 students in Mesa County started out the school year this week with a brand new backpack thanks to The Salvation Army and their donors.

We are accustomed to seeing the Salvation Army at work during the holidays  providing food, toys, and coats to people in need in Mesa County. But, this is an example of the work the Salvation Army does throughout the year in the community.

Middle and High Schoolers were treated to a concert by Christian contemporary reggae band Christafari and received backpacks and school supplies after the concert.

Backpacks and school supplies were also distributed to the younger kids at Vacation Bible School, hosted by the Salvation Army.

I don't know if you have seen the list of school supplies required nowadays, but I can tell  you it's a lot different than when we were kids. It seemed so simple back then - 40 some  years ago. But, it has gotten quite costly to equip kids with the minimum required necessities for school.

Families with multiple kids face an even more daunting task trying to get them stocked with all the supplies they need.

And, so, it's really great to have organizations like the Salvation Army helping out in this particular area. While the supplies may not be everything the kids need, it's that much less that the kids with financial difficulty have to come up with themselves.

It is one of the things that makes Grand Junction such a great community. There is always a group or organization stepping up to help people who are truly in need.