Sydney Paige Packing Bags That Give Back

We often think of back-to-school supplies only at the beginning of the school year. But often after a semester of classes and activities, the supplies need to be replenished. According to the National Retail Federation, the average family with K-12 children spends an average of $688.62 per year on school supplies. Nationally, families spend a total of $26.7 billion on K-12 children and $72.5 billion when college-aged children are added into the mix. Apparel and accessories are the biggest costs followed by electronics. For many families this is an everyday expense that they don’t have to think twice about.

Unfortunately for the 16 million children in America living in poverty, these basic needs are hard to come by. According to the National Education Association, low income U.S. youth are 6 times more likely to drop out of school than those from higher income families. For companies like Sydney Paige these statistics are what drive them to want to give back to the community. Sydney Paige believes that education leads to economic freedom and thus, helps to break the cycle of poverty.

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,” Psalms 2:1-4

The backpack company is making a difference in the lives of low income, school age children by helping to give them the tools, courage and confidence to learn and thrive in school, stay in school, and graduate. For every product sold, another is donated to a student in need, right here in the U.S. Quality backpacks & other gear give confidence while our children’s books bring age-appropriate reading into the home. The company distributes donated products in person at give events while they stress the importance of education and help kids see beyond their current realities.

“then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.” Psalms 2:5-9

Sydney Paige is currently partnering with j.k. livin, which works with local non-profits to run after school fitness and wellness programs in inner-city high schools and the results have been incredible! Participants get in shape and gain confidence while also improving their grades, attendance and behavior. J.k. livin’ was founded by Matthew and his wife Camila.

They share on their site what the partnership means to them.

“We are beyond honored to partner with j.k. livin to help give their students the tools and confidence they need to learn and thrive in school! We are so excited to offer our proprietary bag honoring and benefitting Matthew and Camila McConaughey’s non-profit, ‘just keep livin’ Foundation (“j.k. livin”)!”

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perversewho have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.” Psalms 2:10-15

Risen Reflections

Help someone else. Whether it is a Christmas gift, birthday gift or shopping for yourself, consider buying a gift that gives back to others. It might be a cause that you resonate with or an organization that you volunteer with. Gifts that give back are a great option. Write a note along with the gift as to why you chose it. You might even ask people instead of giving you a gift to donate to a cause or organization that you are passionate about.

Do your due diligence. Prior to purchasing a project, do your homework on the company. Many companies have give back components. Research the organizations that they partner with. Some questions to consider are: What percentage of sales goes directly to the benefitting partner? Are they giving sustainable resources? Are they helping locally, nationally, or internationally? Do they have financial accountability enabling investors to see how donations are spent?

Serve. Some companies and organizations have trips or experiences where you can serve at an event or go on a service-trip with them. This enables you to see first-hand what the organization is doing. Many churches have mission trips and there are several faith-based organizations that take mission trips. Pray about taking a trip with friends, small group or your family. It will radically change your faith and view of the world.