Project Backpack

This annual back-to-school program provides backpacks and supplies to between 150 and 225 children each year. With the generosity of the Bainbridge Community, we have been able to help nearly 1,400 students since the program began in 2000. Project Backpack served 146 students with school supplies in Fall 2011.

  • Provides essential school supplies and helps with education-related expenses
  • Helps families afford a few pieces of new clothing for school
  • Assists with high school fees and graduation expenses
  • Reduces the burden of school expenses on already tight household budgets
  • Creates the potential for every child in our community to have a great year at school

How can I help?

Donate school supplies to help us fill backpacks, or new backpacks that we will fill with donated supplies

Make a cash donation. We will purchase needed items and assist students with education related expenses

Donate gift cards from stores such as Old Navy and Target to help with back-to-school clothing costs.

Spread the word about the importance of this program. Ask your business, organization, neighborhood or club to participate.

Ask your children to help you select and purchase supplies for other children in their same grade level.

For more information, or to sign up to receive assistance through the program, please call Helpline House at 842-7621.



This is how you helped this year's students through Project Backpack

It takes many people to make this annual drive a success. Seventeen volunteers donated approximately 115 hours of their time. Contributions from a variety of sources totaled nearly $10,000. Bainbridge Island Windermere agents played a major role by donating $2,500 for the purchase of Target Gift Cards. They also underwrote the cost of a unique automotive themed calendar of drawings by Ordway Elementary's Henry Vandersluis. Seven Bainbridge High School students donated 52 hours of their time selling the calendars and a big shout-out to Jim Peek and everyone who displayed their classic cars this summer on the Bainbridge Island Baptist Church lawn. Westside Pizza donated pizza each week.

Volunteers at Helpline House get to share in the excitement as the backpacks are selected by the children. Two little students sat on the porch steps and started looking through their bags. "Look what I got. Isn't this cool?"



Jim Peek and his band of Cruise In volunteers from left to right: Gail Nakata, Jim Peek, Norm Davis and Dan Wymer of Bainbridge First Baptist Church (not pictured: Glenn Nakata and Dale Panteleeff). The Classic Car Show is held every Tuesday evening at the church.


Check back in July 2012 for information on next year's project!!