Community School Backpacks for Kids

Going back to school can be scary for kids. There’s peer pressure, homework, and tests. But did you know according to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 15 million children living in extreme poverty in the US face far more basic fears — not having the supplies to learn. The burden of “back to school” lists can be daunting for any family. Here is what my wife and I would like to spark in our community to make a difference, and how you can help.

We have partnered with Odyssey Charter Elementary School to supply 24 backpacks (12 for 2nd Grade and 12 for 3rd Grade) filled with their corresponding grade’s supply list. This is our first year running this initiative, but our plan is to build upon it and continue it each year in the spirit of giving back to our community. As a parent of four kids, my wife and I know all too well the burden (both time and financially) buying school supplies can be for a child. There may be a parent who does not have the time, or money may be tight to buy all the supplies on the list. You may never know who actually needs the help. Even if you are able to help one child, a child ready to start a new school year, is a child prepared to succeed in the future.

You can sponsor a backpack for as little as $5, which covers the cost of the actual backpack. For $30, you can cover the cost of filling a backpack (including the actual backpack) for a 2nd grader with everything on their supply list, and $40 covers a 3rd grader’s backpack. Even $1 can make a difference, and any support is appreciated in helping the children of our community be prepared for the school year ahead. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin.

Sponsorship/donations can be sent via Venmo to @Spark_Believe. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to email us directly at spark.and.believe@gmail.com. Pictures of the entire charity process will be shared via Google Photos; the link will be emailed to all those who contribute to the cause and include their email.

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice” — let’s give the children the tools to never sacrifice their education and make the future a brighter one.

Sincerely,

Shamir & Teresa Patel

“Sparks realize that they can do things differently to create the change they’d like to see.”