Ashford University employees at the Denver Online Center have donated 282 backpacks full of school supplies to local children. The month-long collection drive, done in cooperation with the Denver Public Schools Foundation (DPSF), provided classroom necessities for kids in need in Denver-area schools.

“We deeply thank our community partners at Ashford University for their generous donation of time and resources through the school supply drive,” said Denver Public Schools Foundation president & chief executive officer Kristin Heath Colon. “Thanks to the efforts of Ashford University staff, nearly 300 children are starting this school year with much more than the basics. They are equipped with the full scope of supplies they need to find success in the classroom. We hear directly from our students and teachers: this will make a huge difference for these children as they tackle the challenges of a new school year. We simply could not do it without valued community partners like Ashford University.”

“Ashford University’s Denver Online Center personnel put together a generous donation for the Denver public schools,” stated Mitch Thomas, vice president, Denver Online Center. “An essential component of establishing ourselves in Denver is doing our part to contribute charitably, and the support of children and education is a core part of that responsibility.”  

More than 20 teams within Ashford University’s Denver office competed to collect the largest number of backpack kits for the first day of school. Based upon a list of needs provided by personnel at the DPSF, each backpack was stuffed with the equipment necessary for children to start a new school year. Ashford’s “Team Pitstick” – comprised of members of the financial services group – put together a towering donation of 55 backpacks, and seven other teams donated more than 10. The giving spirit and goodwill at Ashford powered the total to 282 backpacks, eclipsing the pre-established goal of 212.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.