Our Story

Eight 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 7,000 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. Now our backpack programs feed thousands of hungry children and comfort thousands more locally. In just 8 years, we have established programs in 74 organizations, including 52 schools and 22 child assistance organizations, and created a clothing pantry to cloth these children as well.

Through the generous support and time of over 200 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 serve children in need one backpack at a time.

Sincerely,

Founder/Volunteer Executive Director