This Non-profit goes above and beyond for the families of our county. They work all year round with only 8 members to make sure that over 950+ school aged children have the backpacks and school supplies that they need. They do this without the help of major grants but with the support of the community by cash or in kind donations. Their mission is to make each child feel like they can start school exactly like their peers. Their event is not like most backpack events in that they strive to make sure that the kids "shop" for their supplies. They get to pick out whatever backpack they want and each of the supplies is theirs to choose as well. The kids leave feeling like they are just like the other kids that got to go the store and the look of happiness on their face is amazing. They also make sure that the families have resources that could help throughout the school year by having community partners come on the day of and connect with the families. This organization does so much on so little it is amazing. I am proud to have Beyond Backpacks in my community.
The mission of this organization provide practical and essential resources for students in need. Those involved work year round to acquire all the essentials at the very lowest prices. This means that every dollar donated goes far beyond what typically would be collected towards filling these backpacks.
Supporting this nonprofit means making a REAL difference in the lives of those with REAL needs, impacting the WHOLE FAMILY to improve educational opportunities. Strong education means a stronger community.
This was a group I knew little about until asked to be on their board several years ago. I was blown away by the dedication and year-round busyness of this group. Members are shopping year around for supplies to get the best bargains. Members are contacting and talking with groups in the cities we serve . Businesses are encouraging their employees to help out with our event and are willing to put out donation bins.
Churches do likewise. High school groups cone out to help with set up and No field College RA's serve as our guides-an invaluable service! Each year, the demand has grown for our services, and each year we have met it-sometimes by the skin of our teeth! The gratitude and thanks shown by parents and kids is reward in itself. It's such a pleasure to know that nearly 900 students went off to school this year prepared with all their supplies! What a terrific start for them.
Beyond Backpacks provides backpack and school supplies to students in Yamhill County in Oregon. A lot a areas do this but the way they do it is amazing. The kids and their families come. The student pick a backpack and then they get to pick every supply they get. So they go shopping. Kids who are not in school get a stuffed animal. The also give away coats and other items. The end it feels like a carnival with small games, additional items and popcorn. How many families have fun getting their supplies? All of these do.
This group is extremely organized and provide fun atmosphere to serve about 900 kids in a matter of a few hours. It is a blessing to all.
I watch these folks work hard all year, learn and refine their operation, and strive to help as many children in as many ways as they can. No nonprofit I've ever seen does more on less. I support Beyond Backpacks with 100% confidence.
I have been involved with non-profits for years but this one is truly outstanding in scope and quality. The number of children it helps to receive a confident start with school is truly impressive. A friend visiting from Australia accompanied me this year and she was in utter awe at the entire event. The excellent organization, numbers helped, Linfield student assists were but a few of her comments. Others hearing her reaction have asked if they too can volunteer next year. That is truly the sign of a 5 star organization.
Over the years, I’ve watched the number of children served grow tremendously. Without this program there would be hundreds of children starting school without the supplies they need. One thing that’s makes this program a little different is the organizers encourage each child to choose their own backpack from a great selection purchased with proceeds from fundraising. The children are then able to visit the displays of supplies and choose from items they need for their age group. This is a fun event with volunteers from across the community. There is even a large contingent of students from the local college who bring an enthusiastic energy that sets a great example for the youngsters picking out supplies to start a new school year. Every child leaves with a backpack, supplies, and a smile!
Beyond Backpack has been a huge part of the yamhill county community. I first began as a recipient of this program growing up. My parents needed help with supplies from time for time and beyond backpacks was always there to help. Once i reached the age to volunteer i was more then happy to help out my community. And once i graduated from high school I was given the opportunity to become a board member. I can honestly say that this non profit is an important role in giving the kids in our community a chance to have a successful school year.