During the pandemic, Lake Region student Lexi Brown launched a simple but powerful idea: free backpacks for local kids who needed a strong start to the school year. CrossWalk Community Outreach has proudly carried that tradition forward — and last year, thanks to community generosity, we served over 90 Lake Region students with fully stocked backpacks and a boost of confidence.

This year, the program is growing again. With vibrant, energized volunteer leadership from Genevieve Hurd, our goal is clear: no Lake Region child should start the school year unprepared.

Under Genevieve's leadership, we’ve expanded from one drop‑off location to three - Annettes Country Skillet Diner, Naples Summer Recreation at the Songo Elementary Gym & Naples Public Library. We also added an Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2KZV6N0H192V0?ref_=wl_share for easy giving, and we are excited to see how many incredible kids we can support with a positive, hopeful start to the year.

Together, we can make sure every student walks into school feeling ready, supported, and proud.

Free Backpacks for Lake Region Kids