The BackPack Beginnings office was abuzz with volunteers, sponsors, staff and new faces at its annual Open House on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to celebrate the life changing work we do to help children in need. BackPack Beginnings started out in the living room of Parker White’s home and today we:

  • Deliver Food BackPacks for 1,100 school-aged children enabling them to have a bag of child-friendly, nutritious food to take home every weekend during the school year so do not have to worry about what they will eat over the weekend and return to school ready to learn Monday morning
  • Stock 6 Snack Pantry’s in various schools to help provide snacks during the school year for children in need
  • Distribute Comfort BackPacks for children who have been abuse/neglected, homeless, refugee and foster children
  • Offer a Clothing Pantry where school Social Workers’ can come monthly and shop free of charge for their students and pick 13 items of clothing per student to help keep up with a growing child’s clothing needs

It’s inspiring to see what can happen when a community of volunteers and supports rally behind a vision. Independently this task would be overwhelming; together we make a difference in children’s lives every day. It is because of our committed volunteers and generous sponsors that BackPack Beginnings can do what we do to help the children in need in our community. Without our volunteers and sponsors we would be lost. Thank you from the staff here at BackPack Beginnings, thank you from the families whose lives you impact, and thank you from the children who will never forget the difference the kindness has made in their lives. You are truly amazing!