What I've Learned From Running A Nonprofit. And the Little Things That Make a Big Difference.

When people ask how they can help Backpack Society, they often assume the answer is to donate food, give money or volunteer in our pantry.

And yes, we need all of those things. But after seven years of building and growing Backpack Society, I’ve learned that there are so many ways to make a difference — including some that don’t cost anything at all.

Because behind every bag we pack and every shelf we stock, is a child or family who needs a little help.

A child who shouldn’t have to wonder what they’ll eat over the weekend. A parent doing everything they can but still coming up a little short that month.

That’s who we show up for.

The Ups, the Downs and Everything In Between

Running a nonprofit is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It’s also taught me to get comfortable with the unknown. There isn’t always a roadmap.

Needs change. Programs grow. New schools reach out. Challenges pop up that we didn’t anticipate, and sometimes incredible opportunities come along that we never saw coming.

Over the years, I’ve learned to make the best decisions I can, adapt when things change, celebrate the wins, learn from the hard days and keep moving forward.

Through all of it, one thing has never changed: my belief in our mission to remove food insecurity as an obstacle for children so they can grow, learn, and thrive.

I know why we’re here. I know who we’re doing this for. And I’ve seen what can happen when a community believes in that mission, too.

Backpack Society has grown because people continue to show up.

There Are So Many Ways to Show Up

And “showing up” looks different for everyone.

A business becomes a sponsor. A school or neighborhood collects food. A person with a special talent offers to lend their skills. A volunteer brings a friend.

Someone makes a donation.

Another person shares one of our posts.

Sometimes it’s as simple as telling someone about us.

That conversation might introduce Backpack Society to our next volunteer, sponsor or community partner.

Or it might reach a parent quietly worrying about how they’re going to feed their children that week — and let them know they don’t have to figure it out alone.

Just Do Something

There isn’t one “right” way to support Backpack Society.

A volunteer shift. A box of cereal. A sponsorship. A $25 donation. A shared post. An introduction. A conversation.

Individually, those actions may feel small.

To me, they’re not. And to the family on the other side of that kindness, they may mean even more.

I’ve watched thousands of small acts of kindness become something much bigger than I ever could have created on my own.

Because Backpack Society isn’t just about food.

It’s about a child going to school ready to learn instead of distracted by hunger. It’s about giving a parent one less thing to worry about. And it’s about neighbors taking care of neighbors.

You don’t have to do everything. Just do something.

Because when each of us does a little, together we can do something pretty incredible for kids in our community.

Want to find your way to help? Visit our Support Us page, to see the big and small ways you can make a difference! www.backpacksociety.org/support-us