KOOL Kares for Kids – Fill a Backpack!

KOOL 105 is helping Colorado students head back to school with confidence!

For many families, the cost of school supplies can be a real challenge. According to the Kids Count in Colorado 2026 Data Report, one in four Colorado children is economically disadvantaged. The National Retail Federation also reports that families with K–12 students spent an average of $858 per student on back-to-school shopping last year.

That’s why KOOL 105 is proud to partner with A Precious Child, Denver7 Gives, and Channel 7 for KOOL Kares for Kids – Fill a Backpack! Our goal is to collect 11,000 backpacks filled with new school supplies to help fuel dreams and give thousands of Colorado students the strong start they deserve.

Invite your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to join you!

KOOL Kares for Kids – School Supply Wish List

Every donation helps a Colorado student start the school year prepared and ready to learn. While ALL new school supplies are appreciated, the following items are especially needed.

Priority Supply Needs

• New backpacks
• #2 pencils
• Markers
• Highlighters
• Rulers

• Two-pocket folders
• Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks
• Over-the-ear, wired headphones
• Wired earbuds

School Supply Lists by Grade Level

Grades K–2

• 1 New backpack
• 1 Eraser
• 24 #2 pencils
• 1 Highlighter
• 1 Ruler
• 4 Two-pocket folders
• 2 Glue sticks
• 1 Pair of scissors
• 1 Box of crayons (24, 36, or 48 count)
• 1 Box of markers
• 1 Box of colored pencils
• 3 Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks
• 1 Glue bottle
• 1 Pair of over-the-ear, wired headphones

Middle School

• 1 New backpack
• 1 Eraser
• 24 #2 pencils
• 1 Highlighter
• 1 Ruler
• 4 Two-pocket folders
• 1 Box of markers
• 1 Box of colored pencils
• 4 Blue or black pens
• 3 Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks
• 1 Composition notebook
• 1 Pair of wired earbuds

Grades 3–5

• 1 New backpack
• 1 Eraser
• 24 #2 pencils
• 1 Highlighter
• 1 Ruler
• 4 Two-pocket folders
• 2 Glue sticks
• 1 Pair of scissors
• 1 Box of crayons (24, 36, or 48 count)
• 1 Box of markers
• 1 Box of colored pencils
• 3 Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks
• 1 Composition notebook
• 1 Pair of over-the-ear, wired headphones

High School

• 1 New backpack
• 1 Eraser
• 24 #2 pencils
• 1 Highlighter
• 1 Ruler
• 4 Two-pocket folders
• 4 Blue or black pens
• 3 Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks
• 1 Composition notebook
• 1 Pair of wired earbuds