08/02/2026
To my community,
This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest posts I've ever had to write.
If you've followed our organization over the years, you know I've always believed in being completely transparent with the people who support us and the families who count on us. Because of that, I owe you honesty, even when it hurts.
For the past several years, we've been blessed to host our annual Back-to-School Giveaway. Together, each year, we've provided over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies, free haircuts all day long, food, games, community resources, and a day that so many families have come to look forward to. It has always been more than an event to me, it has been a huge piece of my heart.
This year has looked very different.
Normally, I spend my entire summer fundraising, collecting donations, shopping, organizing, and preparing for August. This summer, however, life had other plans. For the first time, I wasn't able to dedicate my summer to the event because I had to work, not just a summer job, but extra shifts and overtime, to keep my own household afloat.
Anyone who has ever been involved with this event knows it doesn't just happen. It takes months of planning, thousands of dollars in purchases, countless hours of organizing, and an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work. While I have amazing family members and friends who always step up to help, the reality is that the planning, coordinating, fundraising, shopping, and organizing has always fallen primarily on my shoulders. This isn't an event that can be put together in a few weeks, and this year I simply couldn't be in two places at once.
Please know this wasn't because I didn't want to do the event. It wasn't because I stopped caring. It wasn't because I didn't try. I fought with this decision for weeks because this event means the world to me.
The reality is that an event of this size can't be pulled together without months of time, planning, and attention. This year, despite my best efforts, I simply couldn't give it what it needed to be successful.
Because I wasn't able to devote the time this event requires, our donations were only a fraction of what we've received in previous years, and with the event scheduled for August 19th, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year's We've Got Your Back to School event.
Writing those words absolutely breaks my heart.
I know so many families count on this event, and please know that no one is more disappointed than I am. I have cried over this. I've lost sleep over it. I've replayed every possible scenario in my mind, hoping I could somehow make it work. But I also know this event deserves to be done right, and this year I simply cannot give it what it deserves.
To those who have already donated money toward backpacks, school supplies, games, or other parts of this event: **thank you**. Your generosity means more than I can ever express.
I ask that you please reach out to me and let me know how you would like your donation handled. If you would like your donation returned, I will absolutely do that. If you would like it applied toward future community programs or next year's Back-to-School Giveaway, I would be incredibly grateful and will ensure it is used exactly as intended. Whatever you choose, I want your generosity to be respected.
Thank you to every volunteer, every business, every organization, every donor, every barber and stylist, and every person who has believed in our mission over the years. None of this would have ever been possible without you.
I know some people may not understand this decision, and that's okay. But I hope those who know me know this: if there had been any possible way for me to make this event happen, I would have. Canceling it was never what I wanted. Sometimes even the things we love most have to be put on hold so we can take care of the responsibilities waiting for us at home.
I am truly sorry to every family who was looking forward to this day. Please know this decision came from necessity, never from a lack of love, effort, or commitment.
Thank you for your understanding, your grace, and your continued support of our mission to serve this community.
❤️
