Backpack Bonanza lets kids know we’ve got their backs
Fifteen-year-old Hannah Kutnick enjoys dancing, skiing, reading, and being a part of her high school’s pom’s team. And for the sixth consecutive year, Hannah has also worked to erase the need at-risk children face starting the school year without backpacks and school supplies with her Backpack Bonanza Drive.
As the cost-of-living increases and caregivers struggle to afford all the essentials for kids’ first day of school, including a backpack, Hannah knows with the support of generous family, friends, and donations, she is helping to boost confidence, promote learning, and encourage success for students throughout our community—and she’s been doing so since she was in elementary school.
“When I was in third or fourth grade, I read an article about a girl who put together bags for children in foster care. Her story inspired me to start my own project,” said Hannah. “I had some left-over holiday money that I didn’t know how to spend, so I began brainstorming ways I could also have a positive impact on my community. I have always loved shopping for school supplies and the excitement it brings for the new school year. I wanted to give other students who may not be able to buy their own supplies an opportunity to feel the same excitement that I do.”
Over the years, Hannah collected donations via social media to purchase supplies and gathered friends and family to fill 2,430 backpacks, which are distributed at JFS Lunchbox Express sites. Fortunate students will see that number jump with this year’s drive.
“I started with an initial goal of filling 100 backpacks, and it’s been really cool to see how the Backpack Bonanza has grown,” shared Hannah. “The most surprising thing about this experience is the lasting enthusiasm and support of my friends and family. It’s been a while since this project first started, and we always seem to expect people to get tired of it or take a break from contributing. However, I’ve been very fortunate to continue receiving excitement and interest from others.”
Hannah’s mom, Carla, agrees with her daughter’s thoughts around the Backpack Bonanza’s growth. “It is heartwarming for us to see how our family and friends rally around the Backpack Bonanza,” said Carla. “We hope to continue supporting Hannah and her brothers thinking outside of themselves. This partnership with JFS makes it possible and has been so special through the years.”
We believe the compassion in Hannah’s heart to make sure kids start the school year with the supplies they need to be successful is remarkable. And along with Hannah, you can help kids thrive this school year by donating to the 6th annual Backpack Bonanza.