End of the Year Newsletter: Another School Year in the Bag!
- Nichelle Hilton
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Dear Backpack Brigade Family,
This was the biggest year in our 12-year history—and we got here because of you.
We grew in the face of rising food costs that made every dollar donated work harder than ever. We expanded our team, welcoming a Director of Development, a Development Associate, and a Marketing Specialist — because reaching more kids means building the infrastructure to do it sustainably. Our events raised more than ever before, bringing new energy and new supporters into our community. And our volunteers didn't just show up — they stepped deeper into our work more than ever, anchoring regular shifts, and showing what it really means to be partners in this mission.
Whether you've given once, give monthly, or volunteer your time, you are part of what makes this work possible. You are the reason we can plan, scale, and show up reliably for 5,300+ students every single week.
We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you!
This summer we're doing the quiet, behind the scenes work — menu planning, strengthening our internal systems, deepening relationships in the community, and yes, finally cleaning out the attic — so that when volunteers walk back through those doors, we're ready to serve the kids that rely on us every weekend.
Thank you for making ending weekend hunger a priority in your lives. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead.
Spring Luncheon featuring Molly Moon Neitzel of Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
Our community came together for a fireside chat between Molly Moon Neitzel and BB Founder Nichelle Hilton - and left with a powerful reminder that the strongest brands don't just talk about their values—they live them. Molly shared the ways that Molly Moon's Ice Cream carries out those values through their hiring practices, fair wages, employee benefits, and a genuine commitment to the community.
Run to END Weekend Hunger
5K Recap
On May 30, 386 runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters gathered at Seward Park with a shared purpose: ending weekend hunger for children in our community. Together, you raised an incredible $20,528—enough to provide weekend hunger bags for 2,727 students. When school ends for the week, many children lose reliable access to meals. Events like the Run to END Weekend Hunger help Backpack Brigade meet that need. Thank you to everyone who laced up, volunteered, donated, and cheered us on.
Every step helped move us closer to a future where no child has to face the weekend hungry. Grocery Partners Investing in Zero Hunger
We're grateful to have the support of community partners
who share our commitment to ending weekend hunger. This Spring, the Safeway Foundation awarded Backpack Brigade a $12,500 grant during a special presentation celebrating our partnership, while QFC delivered a $5,000 Zero Hunger | Zero Waste grant right to our warehouse, surrounded by hundreds of assembled weekend hunger bags. Together, these gifts represent more than funding—they reflect a shared belief that no child should go hungry. We're incredibly grateful to Safeway Foundation and QFC for investing in our community and helping ensure thousands of children have reliable meals every weekend.
Looking to help out this summer?
Consider hosting a block party and inviting neighbors to Adopt A School in your neighborhood, flip a birthday celebration into a fundraiser, or run a yard sale with proceeds going toward students in need. Don't forget to check if your employer offers a donation match — it's an easy way to double your impact!
Nearly 20,000 kids in the greater Seattle area lose the food stability that school provides the moment summer hits. We've put together a guide to free summer meal resources across King County — so families and neighbors can find support close to home.
It also includes summer volunteering opportunities for those who want to stay hands-on between now and the school year. Share it with someone who might need it.
You're invited to Backpack Brigade's first-ever Turkey Waddle!
Join us for a tour of local fall sweet treats! There will be a play area for kids, a dog costume contest with prizes, and warm beverages—all to support ending weekend hunger for local kids.
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: Opens 8:30 AM, Waddle Starts 9:30 AM
Location: Bellevue
Get your tickets here:
Join us for an evening of giving this December, our annual fundraiser for food-insecure children in King County.
Our Winter Wonderland Gala will feature live, silent, and online auctions, a paddle raise, engaging activities, and more! It’s a unique opportunity to connect with a passionate, mission-driven community while making a tangible impact in the fight against childhood hunger. Stay tuned for more info!
Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to maya@backpackbrigade.org
Comments