KARINA'S STORY
Since 2006 my family started taking service trips every other year to places like India, Cambodia, Peru and Zambia. These trips brought my family and cousins together, which bonded us in ways we didn’t expect. I saw incredible poverty on these service trips, but I was also inspired by the community spirit in the villages. Helping build a playground for a school, I also played with the kids and taught English. They were eager to learn and to be independent, and I discovered a sense of joy from being able to help make a difference. The love for their families and village made a lasting impression on me.
This made me reflect on what needs I can fulfill within my own community in Orange County, California. So I created a goal to give away 5000 backpacks filled with school supplies for children locally. I realized that back-to-school time can be stressful for many families because there are many things that come with a new school year such as backpacks, textbooks, supplies, and even clothes which we all know can be really expensive. My wish is to contribute to the creation of communities that can make young people independent. These backpacks will be filled with items to foster their independence.
But backpacks are just one piece of the puzzle and after a lot of consideration I decided I wanted to bring the community together for a day of festivities so we can all bond as a community. I hope you will join us for our first event and be a part of helping youth and serving our community!
Karina’s Backpack Project is partnering with Joy of Sharing Foundation to help bring the the mission to life. Joy of Sharing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (TAX ID 37-1697719).
2020 EVENT INFORMATION
The 2020 Event is cancelled as a result of COVID-19 since it is deemed a large event. Karina's Backpack Project will be working directly with the school districts and community partners which include Anaheim Elementary, Santa Ana Unified, Placentia-Yorba Linda, Nailing it, Advance Beauty College, Moving Forward Together Coalition in Garden Grove, OC United Way and more and to distribute backpacks, supplies and masks to 15,000 students and ensure they are ready for school when schools reopen.
All the schools locally have shut down and moved to remote learning for the rest of the school year. All of the students and families we serve are impacted heavily by COVID-19 and the need is greater than ever now.
We are thankful for your understanding as we make the shifts required to keep everyone healthy and safe during this time. With the need being high and our impact being greater, we hope you will support us by donating as we help support the students.
2019 EVENT RECAP
5500 backpacks with supplies
& hygiene kits distributed
600+ Haircuts
by Advance Beauty College
15+ Carnival Games
& Interactive Stations
24 Local Nonprofits & Resources
Entertainment & Performances
by 3 groups
Groceries, Produce & Meals
by OC Foodbank, CAPOC, Bracken's
Kitchen & Solutions for Urban Ag
PARTNERS
This initiative wouldn't be possible with wonderful partners in the community. If you are interested in partnering with us, please email us at projectbackpackoc@gmail.com
NON-PROFITS
We partner with non-profits and education systems who have kids at the heart of their mission. Reach out to us and let's impact our community, together.
COMPANIES
We are dedicated to bringing together the companies to help advance programs like these which enhance the student experience & support families in the community.
GOVERNMENT
We partner with government officials to highlight the importance of supporting our youth & make an impact in the community, together.
Thanks to our 2019 Event Partners
Outreach Partners
- Ednovate Schools
- Tiyya Foundation
- Anaheim Elementary School District
- Centralia School District
- Garden Grove Unified School District
- CASA OC
- Big Brothers & Sisters of
- Higher Ground
- Child Abuse Prevention Center of Orange County
- Magnolia School District
- Anaheim YMCA
- OCAPICA
- Orange Unified School District
- Center for Healthy Neighborhoods
- Samueli Academy
- Orangewood Foundation
- Santa Ana Unified School District
- High School Inc.
- El Sol Academy
- Think Together
- Scholarship Prep School
- Charters OC & CCSA
- Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
- Raise Foundation
- Boys & Girls Club Central Orange Coast
- Children's Bureau
- Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove
- Kaleidascope OC
- Kid Works
- Child Guidance Center, Inc
- Pathways Community Services
- American Career College
- Project Hope Alliance
NEWS
'Karina's Backpack Project': 15-year-old girls starts campaign to bring school supplies to kids
Foxla - August 2, 2019
Karina Tarsadia, 15, started a campaign called “Karina’s Backpack Project” to provide kids in her community with backpacks full of school supplies. She’s stopped by FOX 11 News with Nithin Jilla, the CEO of the organization, to talk about her program.
Thousands of kids now ready for school after backpack, school supply giveaway in Anaheim
OC Register - August 5, 2019
Thousands of children and their parents packed the parking lot at Angel Stadium, Sunday morning, Aug. 4 — not in advance of an Angels game, but rather to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies from Karina’s Backpack Project by the Joy of Sharing.
Eyewitness This: O.C. teen organizes event to give away 5,000 backpacks full of school supplies
ABC7 - August 6, 2019
An Orange County teen with a big heart is helping kids in need just in time for the back-to-school season.
Karina Tarsadia's "Backpack Project" held a giveaway at Angel Stadium on Sunday. The 15-year-old was able to put together 5,000 backpacks full of supplies for the event.
A teen's backpack project helps thousands
OC Register - August 6, 2019
Thousands of children and their parents packed the parking lot at Angel Stadium on Sunday morning — not in advance of an Angels game, but rather to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies fromKarina’s Backpack Project by the Joy of Sharing.
The project was created to provide low-income families with supplies for elementary- and middle-school students.
Karina's Backpack Project
Greer's OC - July 29, 2019
Karina Tarsadia, a 14-year-old Orange County native who has been immersed in the art of giving back from an early age has decided to follow her passion and start a movement to foster independence among youth. On Sunday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Angel Stadium will proudly host Karina’s Backpack Project.
Karina’s Backpack Project To Give Away 5,000 Backpacks At Angel Stadium On August 4
Anaheim Blog - July 30, 2019
On August 4th, 2019 from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Angel Stadium will proudly host Karina’s Backpack Project. Fueled by Karina’s passion to create community connection, the event will provide low income families with elementary and middle school student supplies, resources and services for a successful school year.
VOLUNTEER
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Karina’s Backpack Project. We thrive on volunteers for our events - from a company who's interested in engaging your employees or an individual or family or community member.
Please check back for volunteer opportunities.
DONATE
An annual community-based initiative that offers elementary and middle school students supplies, resources and services for a successful school year.