Empowering Futures, One Backpack at a Time
Join the Pine Street Backpack Program in supporting our community by providing essential school supplies to K-12 students. Together, we can ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.
Our Mission
The goal of the Pine Street Backpack Program is to provide school supplies for children in grades K-12. Our mission is to support families within the Pine Street community and surrounding areas of the City of Conway and Faulkner County. While we can't solve all the challenges our community faces, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children.
Our Impact
Since 2008, the Pine Street Backpack Program has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to over 14,000 kids. Thanks to strong community support, we've extended our reach by distributing supplies through school counselors to benefit more children. We prioritize elementary schools with the highest need, including Theodore Jones, Florence Mattison, and Ida Burns Elementary. We've also supported Make a Child Smile and H.O.P.E. preschool. Our program aims to ease the financial burden on families, as the average family spends over $600 on back-to-school needs, including nearly $100 on supplies alone.
Our Journey
The Pine Street Backpack Program was began in 2007 and expanded in 2008 to reach more families not only in the Pine Street community but also in the City of Conway and Faulkner County. Over the past sixteen years, our resources have grown significantly, from raising over $5,000 in cash and in-kind donations in one school year to raising over $20,000 in another. These resources have enabled us to expand our reach from serving 300 kids in 2008 to serving 1,000 kids every year starting in 2012. Over this time, the Backpack Program has provided support to more than 14,000 kids.
17
Years of impact
14k
Children served since 2008
1000+
Children Served Yearly
$320k+
Raised since established
Our Supporters
Our program thrives thanks to the generosity of local businesses, donors, and volunteers who support our cause.
Meet the Committee
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Tim Ester
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Gena Ester
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Leona Walton
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Terrence Fuller
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Patrick Block
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Donna Wilchie
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Lia Tate
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Karisa McAlister
Events
Pre-Registration Event
July 20, July 27, August 1, 2024
Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church
601 Spruce Street
Conway, AR
Assisting all students in Conway and surrounding areas.
Contact Leona Walton at 501.697-0930 or pinestreetpacks@gmail.com for more information.
Support our growth
Every donation helps us provide school supplies to children in need. Join us in making a difference by donating today.
Get Involved
We welcome all who wish to join us in our mission. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about our program, we encourage you to get involved. Fill out our involvement form and become a part of the Pine Street Backpack Program family.