The Diane Dale Pack to School Program, now in it's 18th year, took place this year on Wednesday, August 4th 2010. This very special event was founded and led by Diane Dale from 1992 through 2008 and has grown ever since. Diane has since passed away after a long battle with cancer, but her legacy continues with this yearly event. This year, 450 backpacks loaded with school supplies were prepared by volunteers from all over the United States and many from abroad, as well, during Caring and Sharing Day. The youth were gathered to attend the Jewish Community Center's "Macabbi Games". (See www.jccdenver.org/maccabi/) The youth also had the opportunity to participate in numerous other voluntary and sporting events.

Throughout the day, volunteers gathered to assemble the back packs and share in some other special activities. The Art Miles Mural Project, www.artmiles.org, was also on hand to help volunteers create a number of beautiful murals. Shoes were collected (also in conjunction with Art Miles and their Shoes of Hope Program) and decorated to send to children in Haiti, many of whom will be receiving their first pair of shoes, ever. The volunteer youth worked extra hard to add their own special touch to the shoes by painting them and adding flair to add a deeper meaning of caring to each pair.

CP of Colorado is grateful to have partnered with the Jewish Community Center in securing funding, volunteers, and a location for the day long activities of the Diana Dale Pack to School Program. The day culminated in 9+ local shelters for the homeless arriving to collect filled backpacks for distribution to 450 deserving, homeless children in the Denver Metro area to help make their first day at a new school successful.