The Benjamin School’s chapter of Blessings in a Backpack is expanding even further throughout Palm Beach County, and the impact being made on the community is astounding.
Sophomore Sky Leonard first came up with the idea for the club. The goal was to serve the underprivileged children of the Palm Beach community. He then invited two of his closest friends, sophomores Nash Mackenzie and Jack Henry Diaz, to be his partners in good.
“At the end of seventh grade, I wanted to start a Blessings in a Backpack club at my school because my parents had told me about the organization. It was to bring awareness to kids in Jupiter Elementary School who don’t have the proper funds to be fed,” said Leonard. “The club started as just kids in our grade, but then more students wanted to contribute. It’s become the most active club since we brought it to the high school, as we pack consistently every week. Students from all grades ebb and flow, which we really appreciate.”
Working hand in hand with other classmates and the school, Blessings in a Backpack expanded throughout the county. They surpassed a $15,000 goal last year and raised nearly $50,000 to provide packed lunches at Jupiter Elementary.
Now, BIB is looking towards the future. The club recently partnered to send meals to an elementary school located on the edge of Riviera Beach.
“We’re supposed to deliver 200 more bags a week, which should be happening within the next few weeks. We’ll be delivering prepacked bags now, meaning we can expand more easily,” added Leonard.
Blessings in a Backpack is no quiet organization. Their dedicated team of members packs meals every Community Block B and oftentimes after lunch. Each has their own motivation that fuels Blessings in a Backpack.
Co-founder Jack Henry Diaz is fueled by his experience being a leader and has witnessed firsthand how kindness reciprocates.
“Being able to see every day the kids grabbing the bags that we deliver and the effect it has on them makes us all want to keep growing. The club has taught me so much about responsibility, too. No one is looking out for you; if you make a mistake, you need to pick up after yourself,” said Diaz.
Sophomore Jack Baker joined in eighth grade and used to pack meals in Ms. Devine’s room instead of leaving school early on Fridays. He recalls the first-ever Blessings in a Backpack meeting and how it changed him.
“Our first meeting was somewhere outside of school. I saw everyone contributing even at a young age,” said Baker. “That was the first time I realized how one community can help another. You feel a sense of fulfillment when you pack bags for these underprivileged kids. It’s a privilege to be in a position where we can help them.”
They may only have two years left at the Benjamin School, but that won’t stop Blessings in a Backpack. The club’s progress after such a short time stems back to everyone, and affects many.
Leonard finished, “We definitely want to pass the club on once we graduate. All of the hard work put in by so many can’t stop with us, especially because we provide for those in our community who are food insecure.”
It’s clear to see that the club does more than just pack bags. Most importantly, it improves the lives of countless families and shapes students into young adults with a passion for giving back.
“Seeing yourself doing good feels good, and so does seeing others happy. The consistency of packing every week has an impact on us as well as the kids we serve,” said co-founder Nash Mackenzie. “When people come together with a good cause in their hearts, it can make all the difference.”
