Backpack Project

Join us and encourage North Korean refugee students and their families as they prepare for the back-to-school season this year! Donations for the 2024 Backpack Project are requested by Friday, July 26, 2024. Stay tuned for more details about this year's program. We are currently accepting monetary donations to cover the cost of giftcards for the students. If you or your group would like to donate small supplies or handcrafted items in units of at least 50 items (i.e. bookmarks, pencil cozies, keychain/charms) please connect with us!

The Backpack Project was launched in 2014 to encourage refugee students and families for the back-to-school season. Backpacks stuffed with school supplies, snacks, and encouragement notes were sent to all students from Pre-K to graduate students each summer until the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Our Backpack Project was modified since the pandemic to provide recipients with Amazon e-giftcards in order to meet diverse needs and unpredictable challenges for students across the nation. This program continues to reach over 40 students of all ages from Pre-K to graduate school students. Help make a lasting impact in the education and future of refugee students.

Stephen Gladstone was a high school freshman he and his brother Joshua came up with the idea to partner with PSALT and encourage North Korean refugee students. He initiated the "Backpack Project" through which North Korean refugee students receive new backpacks filled with school supplies and snacks at the start of each school year. Since then, Stephen and his family have continually partnered with PSALT to make a lasting impact in the lives of many North Korean refugees through this and other projects across the country. Many lives continue to be positively impacted by the Gladstone family and Stephen's legacy of compassion and care for the North Korean refugees.