Help At-Risk and Homeless Children in Portland

Greetings! 

School is back in full swing! This fall, thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we were able to donate more than 100 backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, glue sticks, rulers, pens, pencils, scissors and erasers to children living in our communities. We partnered with Portland Homeless Family Solutions and the Vancouver Salvation Army Back to School event. These programs benefit children who are either homeless or live in low-income households. 

Last year, there were 48,459 children enrolled in the Portland School District with 45.7% elegible for free or reduced-priced meals. In the Vancouver Public School District, there were 23,399 students enrolled with 51.6% eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. The child poverty rate (children 0-17) in Multnomah county is 23%. The poverty rate in the Vancouver Public school district is more than 50%. A family of four with annual income of $24,250 or less is considered at poverty level. 

Many families continue to struggle on a daily basis. There is still much to be done. But every little bit helps. Thank you for making a difference, thank you for caring. 

With gratitude, 

The Global Backpack Project team 

Greetings! 

School is out and summertime is well underway in the Pacific Northwest. For many kids, summer is a time to hang out with friends, explore, have adventures, be silly, and maybe try something new. The worries of school are put on hold for a little while... as kids take the time to be kids, organizations serving low-income families are working hard to provide needed services for children, youth and families during the summer months. At Global Backpack Project, we will be collecting and donating backpacks and school supplies to children. We want to ensure that as many kids as possible will start off the school year with the necessary school supplies for a successful year. 

We are sorting through many donations and will be delivering backpacks and school supplies to children and youths in Portland in August. We look forward to sharing pictures of deliveries with you and thank you for your support. You are making a difference in the life of a child and it really counts. 

Cheers!

The Global Backpack Project Team