The Gratitude that's been expressed...

One mom stated that "her sons loved the backpacks so much that they even slept with them when they got it," and another mom, after losing her job, said that "without the donation, her three kids would have gone without a backpack and supplies last year." Below are letters of appreciation from some the recipients of our backpacks:

BROADWAY GLEN APARTMENTS
September 6, 2023
​
Sophie van Rhijn
[email protected]
​
Dear Sophie,

Today, I asked myself how I could sufficiently express my gratitude to you, your fellow volunteers, and every patron of Backpacks for Kids. After several attempts at a polished, carefully crafted thank you message, I knew I had to forego formality and speak to you from my heart.

This year, I watched 73 children head off to school with backpacks filled with supplies. Seventy-
three. One for every school age child residing at Broadway Glen Apartments. For the past six years, I have been on the receiving end of the thank-yous. I was able to witness the excitement, see the smiles, and be the recipient of hugs from not only the children, but also their parents. I thought of al the people who were not here to witness it, al those who gave their time and donations to make this happen. I know I personally owe each and every one of you a huge thank-you for giving me the experience of watching this little miracle.
Broadway Glen Apartments is an 11-story, 60 year old building subsidized by HUD. Our Tenant Selection Plan requires that we rent to households with a gross annual income categorized as very- low or extremely low. Many - too many - of the children at Broadway Glen previously were living in very difficult circumstances. In their young lives they had already been witness to domestic abuse, criminal activity, drug and alcohol abuse, shelters and homelessness. There was no money for "extras." The children looked tired and anxious, and many had been labelled as having learning disabilities. In the seven years I have been here, I have seen these children blossom. We have had ZERO high school dropouts. About 95% of the teens have continued their education, some in trade schools, some in community college, and a few in ivy-league colleges.
Your generous donation of backpacks and school supplies over the past six years have been a tremendous help. The kids are engaged with learning. They pull out the notebooks and write their name on every one, taking ownership. They love their new backpacks, and take very good care of them because they know they won't get a replacement if they lose or ruin it. The backpack they received last year becomes the "going to grandma's for a sleepover" bag. The backpack from 2 years ago becomes the bedroom storage bag. There is no waste.
This letter is long, but I was hoping to make you feel the difference you make in these kids' lives. It is the best "thank you" that I thought I could give you.

Sincerely,
Michelle I. Pyne, CPM, SHCM
Property Manager,

From Catholic Charities
August 21, 2023
Dear Ms. Van Rhijn,
On behalf of everyone at Catholic Charities and the people we serve, thank you for your generous donation of 170 backpacks in support of the Teen Center.
Your generosity allows us to serve more than 200 adolescents living in Dorchester’s Bowdoin-Geneva neighborhood. The Teen Center offers recreation and healthy meals while providing vital skills to achieve academic and personal growth. This year, 100% of Teen Center seniors graduated from high school and enrolled in either a post-secondary education program or a job training certificate program.
Our holistic approach to serving individuals and families aims to provide them with life’s basic necessities, education, and advocacy to help them to move from crisis—to stability—and ultimately self-sufficiency.  

Generous supporters like you are helping us respond to the increased need in our communities through our life-changing programs and services. Together, we make families stronger, futures brighter, and dreams within reach. We are truly grateful for your partnership.
With gratitude,

Joao DosSantos
Program Director, Teen Center
Hi Sophie - 
Thank you again for the amazing backpacks donated to NHCS scholars and families.  It was so great to see how excited our scholars were to receive these backpacks. Their eyes lit up when they opened the bags and saw them filled with supplies.  I have attached a few pictures here for you.  

One mom shared with me that her family is living in a shelter right now and is awaiting more permanent housing. She was so happy that these backpacks were made available to her children because school supplies are so expensive and she wants her children to be ready for success this school year. She expressed an immense amount of gratitude to you and your team for making these bags available to her children.  She noted how much thought and care went into supplying these and she wanted to thank you from the bottom of her heart.  

Thanks again and I hope we can partner in the future. 

In partnership, 
Student Support Coordinator
Neighborhood House Charter School

Dear Suzanne and the BFK volunteers,
On behalf of all the families in our care at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, a most sincere "thank you" to each one of you for your inspiring dedication to children you may never have the opportunity to meet. We extend our deepest thanks for your donation of 125 new backpacks and school supplies.

Each year you amaze us with the highest quality backpacks - and all with the best designs! You take the time to ensure that each backpack is filled with the age-appropriate school supplies. Our Family Team staff tells us that when the kids -- and their parents -- see the backpacks and then open them, it is just as exciting as opening gifts during the holidays! We really want you to know what a difference your thoughtfulness and generosity make in the lives of these families.

We thought you might like to see the flyers at our Family Team Clinic at the Horizons Center in Roxbury. Many parents experiencing homelessness do not prioritize their own health - caring for their children, ensuring their good health, securing food and shelter for the family...these are their top priorities. By connecting the gift of a backpack to an appointment for medical care for the parent or child usually encourages the parent to take the time for a check-up.

We continue to provide medical care to 10,000 patients each year - 1,000 of them are families. What you do each year with the Backpacks for Kids donation is truly extraordinary - giving dignity to children and parents so they can have a positive back to school experience like the other families. It's impossible to put a value on that...but we hope you know how deeply grateful we all are for this wonderful partnership going all the way back to 2006!

It is our hope that "back to school" is going well for each one of you, and we look forward to being in touch next year!

With deepest gratitude,
Chief Development Officer
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

Dear Julia, Sophia, Alex and Izzy,

On behalf of Voices Against Violence, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the donation of 32 backpacks filled with school supplies.  Your donation put a smile on many children's faces, who otherwise would have no materials to start the school year.  

The losses from Coivd have been significant.  But it's also been a reminder of how connected we are.  As we emerge from this pandemic and begin to heal, we hope those bonds remain strong.  We can accomplish anything when we come together.

Our mission is to reduce the impact that sexual and domestic violence has on individuals, children and families, as well as providing life saving services to those in the MetroWest area.  Our services include a 24-hour hotline, safely planning, counseling and support groups, confidential shelter, medical advocacy, court accompaniment, information and referral , and supervised visitation.  All of our services are free and confidential, and available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Support such as yours makes a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors who have been affected by violence, sending a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone in their journey to safety and independence. 

Voices Against Violence Director
Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)
Framingham, MA

​Dear Ben, Cameron, Emma and Alex,

A few years ago, a college graduation speaker delivered this call to action: "Do what you love, and don't stop until you get what you love.  Work as hard as you can, imagine immensities, don't compromise, and don't waste time.  Start now.  Not twenty years from now. Now."

For those of us at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless--on the frontlines of health care delivery to Boston's most vulnerable citizens--we are motivated by both a fierce dedication to our professional callings and our understanding of the urgency of acting "now."  Now more than ever, in these unprecedented times.

Your generous donation of 125 back to school backpacks for the children served by our Family Team is a true testament to your unwavering belief in our mission - in our work, in those whom we serve - and understand that during the most profound times of trial, action is needed now...not later.

You've learned of the critical steps we've taken to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic - including the deployment of our staff to the medical Surge and Test Tents, converting our Respite space into greatly needed isolation wards, to increasing the widespread screening of all the guests at our largest partner shelters.  While we work as a larger whole to "flatten the curve" of the pandemic, we at BHCHP are simultaneously thinking "ahead of the curve," anticipating and acting on what is needed next...and now.

Your support for us mirrors the same dedication that we offer to the thousands of patients we care for - those whom we've always served, but also those whom we know are at greater risk due to the complexity and potential severity of their particular health needs.  Our response and your response recognize that the world is no longer defined as "them" and "us."  The health and safety of our patients (and that of our hundreds of tireless health care practitioners) directly relate to the health and wellbeing of our larger, interconnected communities.

Thank you for your concern, your compassion in action - responded to with such generosity - without hitting the pause button.  Yes, there are enormities of these very times, but there are also immensities of what we already have done and continue to do together, as a life-saving community of believers in BHCHP.

Sincerely,
Director of Development
Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program


​Dear Mr. Gridley, Mr. Moghaddam, Ms. Goodness and Mr. Goodness,

On behalf of the individuals that we serve, please accept our heartfelt thank you for the donation of backpacks filled with school supplies.
This is a very challenging and dangerous time for domestic violence victims and their children.  Many are now sheltering in place with their abusers and economic stress always makes domestic worse.  Many of our clients have lost their jobs.  Shelter residents are feeling yet another level of trauma.  Our hotline calls are up, especially in the middle of the night, and they are far more intense.  People are scared and trapped.  They want to talk.  Kids are home all day.  Abusers are home all day.  It's horrible.  
We are still providing all our services remotely.  We have put some new systems in place so victims can web chat us through a website and don't have to speak on the phone where they can be overheard by an abuser.  
Your donation enables us to better serve individuals and families who have been affected by this pandemic.

Onward,
Voices Against Violence Director
Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)


Dear Ben, Emma, Alex and Cameron,

Your generous provision of 41 backpacks for our families was truly remarkable!  Your intentionality in making them fun, age appropriate as well as functional was so appreciated!  
​
In the midst of this unusual season when the challenges on many fronts faced by our families, your gift of backpacks filled with supplies was such a blessing!

Thank you for your time, work, perseverance and enthusiastic support not only of Family Promise, but of so many others who so greatly benefit from your support.
​
With much appreciation,
Family Programs Assistant
​Family Promise Metrowest

Dear Noel and Aryana,

On behalf of the families we serve, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the donation of 75 backpacks filled with age appropriate supplies. The support we receive from strong community partners like you makes a big difference in our ability to help our participants. Your caring spirit is greatly appreciated.
Voices Against Violence provides life-saving services to victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Metrowest area. Our services include a 24-hour hotline, counseling and support groups, confidential shelter, information and referral, and supervised visitation. Guided by a philosophy of empowerment, we offer safety, security, and support so that survivors  can make informed decisions about their lives and the lives of their children. ll of our services are free and confidential and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 
Your gift enables us to better serve individuals and families who have been affected by violence. Your support sends a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone and that they have friends they've never met to assist them on their journey to safety and independence. 

Program Manager
Voices Against Violence
Framingham, MA

These bags have given confidence to countless kids that we serve each and every day.  I remember as a kid always feeling proud and confident when I was fortunate enough to have the “right” gear as to not stand out.  The reality is, it DOES make a difference.  The fear of being teased etc. dramatically decreases when you are comfortable walking through the doors of school.  THANK YOU, our kids stand taller because of your generosity.

Regional Director of Development
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston
​Brockton, MA

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,
​
Once again, we are so overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the Backpacks for Kids Foundation. As the school year begins, please know your donation of 125 backpacks will positively influence the lives of 125 Boston-area homeless children. 
Our Family Team spends their days helping families in shelters, visiting with children who often have very few possessions of their own, and have only known a crowded motel room as home, and talking with their parents who are desperately trying to make ends meet. As the school year begins, please know that because of you, kids can be proud of their new backpack, brimming with school supplies. Regardless of where kids call home, on their first day, the quality of their backpacks and school supplies, or lack-there-of, will no longer be a barrier to their confidence and success in education. 
We are astounded by the investment in our community that you have shown over the years and ever grateful for the outpouring of support for BHCHP and those we serve. Our Family Team sends their heartfelt thanks along with the thanks of the families we serve, who are the true beneficiaries of your important partnership in this work. 

Director of Development
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Boston, MA

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,

Thank you all so much for the kind and generous work you have been doing for the past several years. Please know that your efforts have made a difference and have touched so many lives. I wish you could be here to see the happy faces of the kids as well as their parents when they pick up their backpacks and supplies. Your efforts really lift a financial burden that most can't afford. You are amazing young people and I am sure that you will continue to make lives better wherever life takes you. I wish you all the best as you move on to other ventures. 

Resident Services Coordinator
Wellesley Housing Authority
Wellesley, MA

Dear Backpacks for Kids Foundation,
​
We, the residents of Wellesley Housing Authority, would like to thank you for your hard work and generosity in providing these backpacks and school supplies.

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,

On behalf of everyone at Natick Service Council, we would like to thank your organization for the tremendous support during our 2016 Backpack Program. This year we received more than 200 requests for backpacks and school supplies.
The generous donations we received from Backpacks for Kids Foundation made it possible to fulfill every request. The partnership we have with your amazing group is so important to our success. 
Thanks to Backpacks for Kids, we were able to provide backpacks full of supplies for our clients. It is because of your help that these children are better prepared to begin the new school year.

Case Managers
Natick Service Council
Natick, MA

These pictures are from Iglesia Fuente de Vida Church:

Dear Backpacks for Kids,

On behalf of the YWCA Malden After-School Program, thank you to the Backpacks for Kids Foundation for the generous donation of 10 backpacks, filled with wonderful school supplies. They will be distributed to the most needy families we serve. And, I know that the kids will be elated!
In our agency, we are all about providing the tools and resources to strengthen families as they move towards financial self-sufficiency. These are wonderful families doing the best that they can do. Your work is a nice complement to our efforts. Thank you, too, for your inspirational work, making a difference in the lives of young children. Your effort on behalf of the children in the region is heart-warming.

Executive Director
YWCA Malden
Malden, MA

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,

On behalf of all the children and parents of Family Promise Metrowest, I thank you for so generously preparing them for the new school year with backpacks and school supplies chosen to meet their specific wishes and needs. Having these necessities in place is a critical first step to a successful academic year.
I am impressed with your maturity in organizing such an extensive endeavor -- reaching over 700 students! There are many stresses facing families on the road to permanent housing. Community support such as yours makes a tremendous difference.

Network Coordinator
Family Promise Metrowest
Natick, MA

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,

Once again you have made the first day of school special for our children. The backpacks are beautiful, each one different from the others. I will deliver them tomorrow morning and can't wait to see the smiles on the faces.
Thank you so very much for all your hard work and dedication. This tradition puts such a happy note on the end of summer and start of the new school year.

Resident Services Coordinator
Needham Housing Authority
Needham, MA

Dear Meredith, Charlie, Kerrianne, and Bailey,

On behalf of the families we serve, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the donation of 75 backpacks filled with age appropriate supplies. The support we receive from strong community partners like you makes a big difference in our ability to help our participants. Your caring spirit is greatly appreciated.
Your gift enables us to better serve individuals and families who have been affected by violence. Your support sends a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone and that they have friends they've never met to assist them on their journey to safety and independence. 

Program Manager
Voices Against Violence
Framingham, MA

Some of the thanks we've received in previous years...

Dear Ms. Bartholomae and Ms. Laidman,

Thank you for your generous in-kind donation of 45 backpacks stocked with school supplies, valued at $4500, to Wediko Children's Services. Given the current financial situation for nonprofit agencies like Wediko, every dollar we save through Gift In-Kind donations is a dollar we can put towards helping children and families. Your contribution helps Wediko continue to provide exemplary services to children, families and schools. 

Associate Director of Development 
Wediko Children's Services 
Boston, MA 

Dear Devon and Sarah, 

Once again I am writing to express my thanks for the great job you all do in your efforts to aid kids less fortunate. The selfless work you do each year touches so many lives and lifts the spirits of our kids. You all continue to be a force of good in a world which seems determined to go dim. I see the impact you make on the faces and in the excited responses of children whose families struggle daily to make ends meet. Never question as to whether or not you make a difference, trust me you do. 

Resident Services Coordinator
Wellesley Housing Authority
Wellesley, MA

Dear Sarah and Devon, 

On behalf of the children at the Elizabeth Seton House, I would like to thank your organization for its generous donation of backpacks and school supplies. As you can imagine, the transition back to school can be a very difficult time for the children we serve. Being able to provide the children with new backpacks and school supplies will help ease their transition into the new school year. Thank you again for making this possible. 

Program Director
Elizabeth Seton House
Lexington, MA

Dear Backpacks for Kids Foundation, 
On behalf of the clients of Voices Against Violence, we would like to thank you for participating another year in our Sponsor-A-Student Program. The support we receive from strong community partners like you make a big difference in our ability to help 65 kids from our program participants in sending their kids to school with confidence. Your caring spirit is greatly appreciated. Donations like yours enable us to better serve individuals and families who have been affected by violence. Your support sends a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone and that they have friends they've never met to assist on their journey to freedom. Your generosity will surely add to, and improve upon the quality of life for everyone in our community. 

Program Manager
Voices Against Violence
Framingham, MA

Dear Sarah and Devon, 

On behalf of everyone at Natick Service Council, we would like to thank you for your support of our 2012 Backpack Program. This year we received more requests for backpacks and school supplies than ever before. Your generous donation and the donations of others in and around our community made it possible to fulfill every request. Thanks to you, we were able to provide backpacks full of supplies to more than 240 students in Natick. It is because of your help that these children are better prepared to begin the new school year. 

Case Managers
Natick Service Council
Natick, MA