Backpack to School

Backpack to School

Program Type: Employee family support and intergenerational community service

Overview: Backpack to School is a Vital Life Foundation initiative providing essential school supplies to children in grades K–6 whose parents work in senior healthcare communities. The program alleviates the financial strain of back-to-school shopping, which often exceeds $100 per child.

Program Statistics

• Since: 2008
• Backpacks Distributed: 25,000+
• Geographic Reach: 14+ states
• Partner Campuses: 100+ senior healthcare campuses and business collaborators
• 2024 Distribution Events: 30+ senior care communities hosted distribution parties

Program Components

• Backpack Supply: Fully packed with essential school supplies
• Employment Support: Works with community vendors to fill backpacks, supporting meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Community Celebrations: Annual backpack distribution parties where senior residents personally hand out fully supplied backpacks to children
• Intergenerational Connection: Creates opportunities for connection between aging adults and children, providing purposeful enrichment for seniors

Eligibility

• Children in grades K–6
• Parents employed in senior healthcare communities that partner with Vital Life Foundation

Contact Information

• Organization: Vital Life Foundation
• Address: 4560 SE International Way #100, Milwaukie, OR 97222
• Email: info@vitallifefoundation.org
• Phone: 971-206-5256