Every Backpack Tells a Story

A backpack drive begins long before a student receives a backpack.

It starts with thoughtful preparation — gathering supplies, organizing materials, and making sure each backpack has what students need for a successful school year. Volunteers carefully packed each backpack, checked every item, and added personal touches of encouragement because every student matters.

Behind every backpack is a simple message: someone cares about your journey and believes in your future.

The backpack drive also reflects the power of community.

This year, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds worked side by side, sharing smiles, stories, and a common purpose. Families, friends, and community members came together to serve, reminding us that kindness has the power to connect people.

Even when the air conditioning stopped working on assembly day, the spirit of seva remained strong. Volunteers continued with patience, joy, and dedication, showing that the heart of service comes from the willingness to help others.

For backpack drive coordinator Shreeja Rucker, this service is deeply personal.

"Every year, organizing this backpack drive fills my heart with gratitude for my parents, Amma (my guru), and my teachers. Their love, sacrifices, and guidance shaped who I am today. This service is my way of honoring them by creating an opportunity for students to feel supported and cared for."

In 2026, 115 students across Michigan will begin the school year with backpacks filled with supplies and the encouragement of a caring community.

Behind every backpack are donors who gave, volunteers who served, and countless acts of kindness that made this effort possible.

Watch video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzTwMGv8Nak

Please reach out to Shreeja // acm.shreeja@gmail.com for more information.