The DWM Backpack drive is an annual summer campaign which was started in 2013. The Monument Crisis Center has been the recipient since this campaign was started.
Each year DWM has the opportunity to fill over 200 Jansport backpacks for underprivileged children of low-income families. With their donations, the Monument Crisis Center is able to reach their goal of providing backpacks to over 1000 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Each child that receives a backpack is able to start the school year off with all of the necessary tools to succeed.
The Monument Crisis Center serves low-income families and individuals in Contra Costa County by providing nutritious food, education, general assistance and referrals. Over the last year, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and donors, the Monument Crisis Center distributed a five day supply of food to over 12,000 individuals, thereby providing one million meals to those most at risk in Contra Costa County. In addition to food service programs, Monument Crisis Center advocates for at-risk families and individuals and strives to unite the community in a forward effort to alleviate poverty.
* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 money was donated to the emergency food pantry of the Monument Crisis Center in lieu of backpacks. The backpack drive campaign will resume in 2021.