This year, the Locations Foundation marked the 25th anniversary of its Backpack to School Drive, packing and distributing 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Oahu students. Since launching the annual initiative in 2001, the Foundation has helped thousands of local keiki begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Backpack to School Drive

• 2001: First Backpack to School Drive
• 2026: 25th annual drive
• 500: Backpacks distributed this year
• Thousands: Students across Oahu served since the program began

What’s Inside?

Each backpack included classroom essentials, including:

• Notebooks
• Folders
• Pencils, pens, crayons
• Glue
• Paper
• Other supplies requested by local schools
• An encouraging note from the Foundation

Volunteers gathered at the Pearlridge office to assemble backpacks assembly-line style, filling each one with notebooks, pencils, folders and other classroom essentials before preparing them for delivery.

The backpacks were distributed through trusted nonprofit partners that serve local children and families experiencing housing instability, financial hardship and other challenges. By partnering with established community organizations, the Foundation helps ensure supplies reach students who need them most before the first day of school.

The organizations we partnered with include:

• Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii – NFL YET Nanakuli Clubhouse

• IHS – Kahauiki Village

• Partners in Development Foundation – Ka Pa’alana

• Weed and Seed Hawaii

• Women in Need Hawaii

Since launching the Backpack to School program in 2001, the Locations Foundation has helped thousands of Hawaii students begin each school year equipped with the essential supplies needed for success in the classroom. What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into one of the Foundation’s signature annual service projects, bringing together agents, employees and affiliate partners to support local families.

Locations Foundation President Kristin Mukai and Sales Coach Noa Hussey coordinated this year’s backpack-stuffing event, ensuring hundreds of backpacks were assembled quickly and efficiently for distribution to local families before the start of the new school year.

“Our Backpack to School drive is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in Hawaii’s future,” said Mukai. “Every backpack represents our community coming together to help local students begin the school year with confidence.”

Why School Supplies Matter

Having the right school supplies helps students begin the school year with confidence and allows teachers to focus on learning from day one. For many Hawaii families facing rising living expenses, backpacks, notebooks, binders and classroom supplies represent a significant seasonal expense. Community backpack drives help remove that barrier while ensuring students feel prepared and included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many backpacks did the Locations Foundation donate in 2026?

The Foundation packed and distributed 500 backpacks filled with school supplies for Oahu students.

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When did the Backpack to School program begin?

The annual initiative began in 2001 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026.

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Who receives the backpacks?

The backpacks are distributed through trusted nonprofit organizations serving children and families throughout Oahu.

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How can I support the Locations Foundation?

Community members can volunteer, donate and participate in Foundation service projects throughout the year.

Mahalo to our Volunteers

For 25 years, the Backpack to School initiative has reflected the Locations Foundation’s commitment to strengthening Hawaii’s communities through education, volunteerism and service. Thanks to the generosity of our agents, employees, affiliate partners and supporters, 500 local students will begin the 2026 school year with the supplies and confidence they need to succeed.

A special mahalo to:

• Aileen Wada
• Akie Kagawa
• Ayumi Yamane
• Bernadette Hanna
• Cannie Chum
• Chris Bodden
• Cindy Fullmer
• Hiroko Manuszewski
• Jerry Li
• Jayna Agao
• Keana Kamakele
• Kumiko Burns
• Kyung Ham
• Lindsey Itamoto
• Marie Guerrero
• Marisa Watson
• Megumi Nekotani
• Priscilla Wassman
• Ritsuko Yang
• Ruth Simmons
• Shea Suzumoto
• Sunny Lee-Oshiro
• Wayne Nishida
• Yumi Nakamura

We look forward to continuing this tradition of giving for years to come!