It’s our favorite time of year again—the 16th annual “Stuff for Students” school supply drive! Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Havana is once again joining forces with Denver’s 9NEWS and the Volunteers of America (VOA) Colorado Branch to support the community we love so much. Throughout this month, donations will be collected and distributed to more than 15 Colorado school districts to benefit pre-k through high school students.
“We want Colorado students to start the school year off right and with the tools necessary for them to succeed,” said Ray Reilly, senior vice president of operations at Larry H. Miller Dealerships. “Giving back in the communities where we do business has always been a guiding principle of Larry H. Miller Dealerships, and we’re excited to continue our support of the ‘Stuff for Students’ campaign for a third year.”
This entire month, our dealership team and customers will stuff a vehicle in our showroom with much-needed supplies, including backpacks, pencil boxes, highlighters, scissors, binders, book covers, calculators, and more. We understand that a monetary donation may be easier and we’ll gladly be accepting them online through the VOA http://www.voacolorado.org/news_and_events/stuff-for-students. All donations are appreciated.
Photo by: Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Havana
Basic school supplies prices continue to soar, putting a large financial burden on families. Parents of high school students can easily spend upward of $900 per child on supplies. Currently, 23 percent of the 743, 255 students in the counties served by the VOA are living in poverty, compared to the 14.7 percent state average. Additionally, Colorado school districts statewide have identified nearly 25,000 students who are experiencing homelessness. Every bit counts and this donation drive will impact many Colorado students’ lives.
“There’s still a concerning number of children living in poverty in Colorado and school funding is not sufficient enough to help with other needs like school supplies,” said Bradley Gulley, director of volunteer programs at Volunteers of America Colorado Branch. “Thanks to donations from Larry H. Miller Dealerships and their customers, we will be able to provide more students with the school supplies they need to be successful in the classroom. These contributions will make a real difference in the communities we serve.”