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A Fairfax nonprofit is working to provide new backpacks and essential supplies to 500 local students whose families are struggling with limited incomes.

In 2024, the average annual income among Britepaths clients was $17,745, well below the $26,650 federal poverty level for a family of three. Executive Director Abra Kurt said the program helps ensure parents do not have to choose between buying food and purchasing school supplies.

A $40 donation covers a new backpack and a complete, grade-appropriate supply kit assembled with Educate Fairfax. Britepaths is also preparing classroom supplies—including tissues, hand sanitizer and $25 Staples gift cards—for 60 teachers.

The organization stretches donations by purchasing discounted goods through local wholesaler Campus Supply Kits. Kurt said those nonprofit rates allow Britepaths to supply more needed items than it could through individual donations purchased from major retailers.

Contributions toward the school-supply effort will be accepted through the end of September. Checks may be made payable to Britepaths and mailed to 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030, with “BTS25” written on the memo line.

Families Pick Their Own Backpacks

Britepaths held its first Back-to-School Fair for client families July 25-26. Students from kindergarten through high school selected backpacks and supply kits, participated in reading activities, made crafts and chose books from an onsite library.

Children created friendship bracelets, decorated folders and notebooks, made backpack rings and colored pictures. Parents met with staff and volunteers who shared information about community resources, college preparation, scholarships and other Britepaths services. Lasagna Love served families a hot meal on the fair’s second day.

Jennifer Erazo watched her 8-year-old daughter, Jaliyah, make backpack rings with friends and sisters Maleah, 5, and Taleah, 11. Erazo said the fair’s mix of children’s activities and career information for adults made it especially valuable.

Sisters Genesis Hercules, 7, and Heidy Hercules, 4, made beaded bracelets during the event. Their mother, Yoselin, said receiving free backpacks and supplies was a significant help because her children needed them for school.

At another table, children selected notebooks, colored pencils and paste while Patricia Moreno of Anthem HealthKeepers Plus spoke with parents about Medicaid eligibility, applications and recent program changes.

Students then visited tables where backpacks were organized by grade level, allowing them to choose their preferred size and color. Yanni Cooper’s children, Khi, 6, and Sevyn, 2, each selected a bright yellow backpack.

Cooper said the program reduced how many back-to-school items she would need to purchase while giving her children the fun of choosing what they wanted.

Volunteers from program sponsor Kearney & Co. helped distribute backpacks to children in grades three through six. Carli Perrin, Christinah Fadahunsi, Vijay Malka and Jerry Butron said they participated to support local families and help students begin school focused on learning, friendships and positive memories instead of worrying about supplies.