Broomfield employees dress down
to help low-income children with school supplies

Employees of the City and County of Broomfield are rallying around local children to make sure they have what they need when school starts.  During the month of August, employees who participate in Dress Down Fridays will “pay” for the privilege by bringing in school supplies to donate. 

Since Broomfield became a city and county, each fall a local business had provided backpacks filled with school supplies for low-income children in elementary or middle school.  This year, the business has indicated that it is unable to help due to staff cuts and the effects of a sagging economy.

 So, on Fridays during August, employees who want to wear their casual clothing can voluntarily donate everything from ball point pens to calculators and back packs to markers and watercolors.  The list includes nearly 30 items listed by area schools as necessary school supplies.  The goal is to fully outfit at least 50 backpacks for children identified as low income through Health and Human Services (HHS). 

HHS Director Karen Beye said that containers are located in the Police Department, Combined Courts, the City and County Building, Broomfield Community Center, Paul Derda Recreation Center, Library, and the HHS building at 6 Garden Center.  Employees, who were asked to help via an email message last week, really made a great start, she said.