Each fall, Running Strong organizes backpack donations filled with school supplies to Native American youth, to provide for students in Elementary Schools, through Junior High and High School.
With the help of Running Strong supporters, thousands of Native American children will start off the new school year with confidence and the tools they need to do well in school.
Each brand-new backpack includes essential supplies like: scissors, a ruler, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue, notebooks, pens, and much more!
“The children showed a renewed sense of confidence when they received the bags. It was especially exciting to see the preschoolers get excited about their first school backpack.”
This fall, we will distribute 2,000 elementary kits, 2,000 jr. high school kits, and 2,000 *new* high school kits to tribal communities across the nation, including the Navajo Nation, Iowa Tribe of KS & NE, Crow Nation, Northern Cheyenne, Hoopa Tribe, Walker River Paiute Tribe, Piscataway Conoy Tribe, Cheyenne River, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock, Cherokee Nation, Yuchi Tribe and more.
Along with a new high school kit tailored to older kids, we are also introducing clear backpacks as an option, since many schools on the reservations have implemented a clear backpack-only policy.
Last year, Running Strong distributed 9,000 Backpacks filled with school supplies to more than a dozen partner organizations.
Successes
“We successfully provided new backpacks and school supplies to students whose backpacks had broken, torn, or were non-existent when they arrived at school. This initiative ensured that all students had the necessary materials for their education, helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment,” reported Ashley Alarcon of the Pensar Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, which received 54 elementary kits.
“Our students and families have loved the extra help every year. With the cost of everything rising, having one less thing to worry about and pay for has been a huge blessing,” reported Meredith Schramm of the Provo City School District, Provo, Utah, which received 102 elementary kits.
“The youth were pleased and excited to receive the backpacks and supplies. Additionally, the parents/guardians were thankful,” reported Josh Gravier of the Koi Nation, Santa Rosa, California, which received 54 kits.
Why backpacks are needed in their communities
“Many of our tribal youth are living below the poverty level and their families struggle to provide food so having a nice new backpack with supplies is not something families can often afford. When we showed up at the ed center and allowed each child to select their backpack color they were beyond excited because for some this was the first new backpack they have received as many often use backpacks handed down through the family or in some cases, many use a plastic grocery bag. To see the smiles on their faces was worth it!” reported Danielle Cirelli of Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Upper Lake, California, which received 102 elementary kits.
“Some of our families and friends don’t have the means to purchase or travel to get these supplies so being able to provide these takes some stress away from their learning aspects and better allows them to focus on school instead,” reported Laura O’Leary of The Bebela Project, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, which received 252 elementary kits and 250 junior high and high school kits.
“We had so many grandparents raising grandchildren in our community that are on a fixed income that just given back packs and school supplies was such a blessing. I had people crying just to have this burden lifted off them. One female came in with 5 children, their house had burned down a week prior and they lost everything. We were able to lift this worry for her and her family. So many people thanked Running Strong for this blessing,” reported Tashaa Harris of the Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization, Muldrow, Oklahoma, which received 402 elementary kits and 400 jr. high/high school kits.
