On a warm Saturday morning—July 19, 2025—something incredible happened in Grand Junction. For the first time, Kenzi’s Causes brought our Packz4Kidz backpack event to this Western Slope community, distributing 190 backpacks filled with brand-new school supplies to local children from preschool through 12th grade.
The energy was high, the smiles were wide, and the impact was immediate. Families arrived early, many with multiple children in tow, excited and relieved to receive a backpack that represented more than pencils and notebooks—it represented a fresh start.
For families struggling to make ends meet, preparing for a new school year can be overwhelming. In Grand Junction, where roughly 13% of residents live below the federal poverty line, the cost of backpacks, notebooks, folders, and calculators can be a serious burden. Even more concerning, more than 13% of children in Mesa County face poverty—children who deserve every opportunity to succeed but often start the year without the tools they need to thrive.
That’s why Packz4Kidz exists. At Kenzi’s Causes, we believe every child deserves to walk into school with confidence, dignity, and the right supplies to learn. When a child receives a backpack full of school supplies, it not only prepares them academically—it boosts self-esteem, improves attendance, and helps them feel like they belong. It tells them they matter.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our partners. Suncor stepped up as our Presenting Sponsor, making a powerful investment in the children of Grand Junction. ESI provided key sponsorship support, helping us fund materials that filled each backpack. And the generous team at the Grand Vista Hotel donated space for the event, transforming it into a welcoming hub for families across the region.
The success of this event was also thanks to the dedication and leadership of Bethany Duggan, who led our Grand Junction team with passion and purpose. Her efforts ensured that each child left with the supplies they needed—and a renewed sense of hope for the school year ahead.
As we packed up the last box and said goodbye to families, it was clear this wasn’t just an event—it was the beginning of something bigger. Grand Junction showed us the strength of its community and the power of coming together for kids.
We are proud of what we accomplished on July 19th, and even more excited for what’s to come. Packz4Kidz is more than a backpack giveaway—it’s a movement to ensure no child starts school at a disadvantage, no matter where they live.
To learn more about how you can support our programs or bring Packz4Kidz to your community, visit kenziscauses.org.
Because when kids are equipped with the tools they need, they show up ready to learn—and the future gets just a little bit brighter.
