Fourteen years ago, I started BackPack Beginnings (BPB) because I wanted to help a few children in need in my community. I had no idea that a few boxes of food in my dining room and $8,000 from friends, family and neighbors would be the start of a multi-program organization that now serves over 23,000 children in need and continues to grow annually.

As a new mother, I knew the desire for wanting your child to be nurtured and their basic needs to be met. I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak for those families unable to meet those basic needs. So, I set out to make a difference by providing hungry children with food over the weekends.  Our food backpack program expanded to other tangible needs such as children’s clothing, hygiene products, diapers, school supplies, books, toys and more. Now our programs are in over 200 partner organizations and we have recently added a Family Market, to provide a free shopping experience for local families.

Through the generous support and time of hundreds of monthly volunteers, BPB operates as a 95% volunteer organization. With support of local businesses, churches, foundations and community members, we are able to fund our operations and grow our reach to children in need. I am humbled by the growth of BPB and astounded by the ever-growing need among the children in our community. I hope you will join us as we continue to be a community that cares for its children.

Sincerely,

Parker White Signature

Founder/Volunteer Executive Director

Parker White photo

Photo courtesy of Photo Innovations and HPCF.

“Our Food and Comfort BackPacks make all the difference for a child facing a long weekend filled with hunger or a day shattered by a traumatic experience. By directly serving children in need, BPB makes a positive and lasting impact in their life.”

Staff

Mallory Goodman, Program Director

Rhiannon McGee, Administrative Assistant

Elexicia Carter, Family Market Coordinator

Will Montanez, Warehouse Assistant

Sandra Ritter, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Staff

Parker White, Founder/Executive Director

Lana Greenberg, Food Program Coordinator

Allison Cochran, Development Director

Jill Hamilton, Accountant

Angie Burkey, Marketing Volunteer

Erika Kuethe, Food Program Coordinator for High Point

Leigh Jones, Clothing Pantry Program Chair

Brandi Wilkinson, Food Program Coordinator

Danielle Rattray, Comfort BackPack Program Chair

Hilary Callahan-Glasscock, Book Beginnings Program Chair

Volunteer Board Members

Allison Cochran, Secretary

Jennifer Van Zant

Mindy Oakley

Parker White, President & Chair

Terry Jones

Cedric Parker

Gregg Sloan

Hope Strickland