How we pack hope into every backpack

This is the story of what goes beyond pencils, paper, and highlighters. The material items are the tangible goods. You can see them. You can count them. They make a physical impact — a daily aid for a student to soar in their education journey.

But the real story isn’t just about the supplies. It’s about what those supplies unlock: the child’s story of hope.

At Back2School Project, our mission has always been about more than the backpacks we hand out. And with Hope is a Verb, our merch shop, we’ve found a way to link arms between the tangible and the unseen. Every backpack is filled with tools for learning, yes, but it’s also filled with a message: you are valued, you are confident, you are seen.

One little girl showed us her “confidence boots” — sparkly, pink, and magical because they made her feel brave. That’s what we want every backpack to be. Something that’s hers. Something that gives her courage to take that first step into the classroom knowing she belongs, knowing she can dream big, knowing someone out there sees her and cares.

Because when our community takes action, something powerful happens. The students feel it. They notice. They tell us that it’s not just about the pencils or the notebooks — it’s about knowing that someone cared enough to give them these things. Someone noticed.

That “someone” is you. It’s us. It’s all of us, creating change together.

When you wear your Hope is a Verb shirt, you’re not just adding a cool tee or sweatshirt to your wardrobe (even though, let’s be honest, they are pretty cool). You’re standing with this mission. You’re linking arms with us to give hope. You’re helping a child walk into school not only prepared but proud.

Because it takes all of us — working together, choosing hope, showing up — to create change.

So, if you haven’t done so yet…don’t wait. Join the mission. Wear hope. Create change. And let’s keep filling backpacks with more than just supplies — let’s fill them with courage, joy, and possibility.

A message from our Founder and Executive Director, Jen.