Sixteen 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 30,000 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 work with almost 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 majority-run 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,

Founder/Volunteer Executive Director