Every summer, EmberHope rallies together staff, volunteers, and community partners for one of our most impactful traditions – the Back-to-School event. This year, more than 600 fully stocked backpacks were prepared for youth in our care, ensuring they step into the classroom ready to learn, grow, and thrive.
A Day of Teamwork and Purpose
The backpack-packing event took place in the Opportunity Academy gym on our Newton campus. The summer heat outside was no match for the energy and determination inside, where more than 40 volunteers worked side by side to assemble backpacks filled with supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students.
“It was hot and exhausting, but it was worth it to know we were making sure hundreds of kids would have new supplies for the school year,” shared Tamber Rouse, Director of Donor Relations.
Volunteers and staff didn’t just show up for the day — they prepared for weeks in advance. Supplies were gathered through church and business drives across Harvey and Sedgwick counties, as well as through Amazon Wish List donations. From unpacking and organizing materials to packing bags and delivering backpacks to families, every step reflected the dedication of a community committed to making a difference.
Why It Matters
The Back-to-School event isn’t just about pencils and notebooks. As Virginia Lewis, Development and Volunteer Coordinator, explained: “Receiving a backpack and supplies can have a significant impact on a student’s school year. It provides the tools they need to participate fully in class, reduces stress for families, and builds confidence as they start the year prepared. Beyond that, it sends a message that their community cares about their success.”
For EmberHope, the event embodies our mission to care for and empower youth. “We want to make sure each child heads into the school year with confidence,” Rouse added. “As a mother, I know how expensive it can be to get ready for school. These kiddos are our responsibility, and we take their needs seriously.”
Moments That Inspire
This year’s event was filled with moments that highlighted just how personal the impact can be. Staff members often picked backpacks for children they knew on a personal level, carefully selecting a bag in a favorite color or with a character they loved. “It really shows how well these workers know the kiddos and want to give them something they will be proud to take to school,” Rouse reflected.
Lewis recalled one supervisor who loaded her car with backpacks for her entire team’s caseload, even storing them in her garage to make sure kids in Wichita had easy access. “It showed the kind of teamwork and coordination we’d like to see across all of our teams,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Behind the scenes, months of planning go into making Back-to-School a success — from compiling supply lists in May, to hosting donation drives, to organizing and packing supplies in the weeks before school begins. Each year, the hope is to expand the reach.
“We want more people to be involved,” said Rouse. “When the community wraps around these youth, they see they’re not alone—that people who don’t even know them want them to succeed.”
Lewis agreed, adding, “I hope to see more churches, businesses, and volunteers engaged in the future, helping us grow the impact of this tradition.”
You Can Make a Difference
The Back-to-School event is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. With your support, we can continue to ensure every child has the tools they need to start school with confidence.
Want to get involved? Partner with us by hosting a supply drive, volunteering at events, or making a monetary donation to EmberHope today. Every gesture, no matter how small, goes a long way in helping a child feel seen, loved, and prepared for the future.
