Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida Chapter

08/26/2026

Kids should be thinking about the next lesson, the next question, and the next opportunity to learn.

Every child deserves the chance to walk into the classroom ready to learn.

Your donation helps provide weekend nourishment so kids can return to school focused, confident, and prepared for every lesson ahead.

When students have the nourishment they need outside the classroom, they have more opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed inside it.

Donate today: https://orlando.blessingsinabackpack.org/donate/

08/25/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Rebecca “Becky” Reitzel to the Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida Advisory Board!

Becky’s connection to Blessings began in 2009, when Justin and Kate Rose introduced the program at her school. During her 40-year teaching career at Grand Avenue Primary Learning Center and OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, she saw firsthand the difference weekend food assistance can make for students.

Now, Becky is bringing her lifelong passion for children and education to our Advisory Board. We are grateful for her commitment to helping raise awareness, build community connections, and support our mission so even more local children can have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive.

As Becky says, “It will always be about my kids as we feed hungry tummies and curious minds.” 💙🍎

Welcome to the Advisory Board, Becky! We’re so happy to have you with us. 👏

08/21/2026

Kids should be thinking about the next lesson, the next question, and the next opportunity to learn.

Not where their next meal will come from.

Your donation helps provide weekend nourishment so children can return to school ready to focus, participate, and make the most of every classroom moment.

Donate today: https://orlando.blessingsinabackpack.org/donate/

08/20/2026

Thank you for the support, YMSL Winter Park!

✨ Reminder: Our 2026 Ultimate Gift project—Back-to-School Backpacks & Bedtimes—is officially underway! 🎒🎁

Supported by 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps, we are working alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace - FL, Orlando W. and Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida Chapter to bring real relief to students in our area.

🗓️ How You Can Participate: (Register via the website or app)

Aug 23: Kickoff Mom & Young Men Meeting

Aug 23: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bedding Drive

(Earn 1 hr UG service or in-kind credit! Grab the customizable flyer, collect twin sheets/blankets, and bring them on Aug 23.)

Sept 12: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Beds Across America

Sept 12: Blessings in a Backpack Packing Event

🛒 Support our Sept 12 packing day from home:

Purchase food supplies straight from our wishlist link!

Let’s unite to build our strongest, most meaningful Ultimate Gift year to date.

08/18/2026

🚨Food giveaway TOMORROW, August 18th in Sanford! Please share ‼️‼️🚨

08/18/2026

🎶💙 Shop local. Give back. Feed kids!

We’re excited to be September Community Partner! Join us on Sunday, September 13, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for Community Day.

Park Ave CDs will donate 10% of the entire day’s in-store sales to Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida! 🙌

We’ll be there sharing our mission, connecting with the community, and talking about how you can help provide hunger-free weekends for local kids.

So grab a friend, shop local, discover some new music, and make a difference while you’re at it! 🎵🛍️

📍 Park Ave CDs
📅 Sunday, September 13
⏰ 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Thank you, Park Ave Cds for turning music and community into an opportunity to feed local kids! 💙

08/17/2026

Did you know National Nonprofit Day is on August 17th?

It’s a day to come together and honor the volunteers, staff, donors, and the impact of nonprofit organizations across the nation. ❤️

Thank you to our Blessings in a Backpack volunteers, donors, advocates, and everyone who plays a part in ensuring children have the food they need on the weekends.

Join us! Here’s how you can make a difference:

🙌 Volunteer
💰Donate
🤳Spread Awareness
✨Fundraise, attend an event, bring Blessings to your community, and more!

Get Involved Today: blessingsinabackpack.org

08/12/2026

Help support our mission by visiting Sonny's BBQ this August and rounding up your check when you dine in. Your extra change helps provide kid-friendly meals for children who need support on the weekends.

Enjoy some BBQ and give back – it’s a win-win!

Find a Sonny’s near you: https://www.sonnysbbq.com/locations

08/11/2026

🍔🧡 Welcome back to Central Florida, Whataburger!

We’re honored to have been selected as the community partner for Whataburger’s grand opening in Waterford Lakes—and even more grateful for their generous $2,500 donation to Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida!

After nearly 17 years away, Whataburger is back in Orlando, and they’re kicking off their return by giving back to the community. What a delicious way to make an impact! 🙌

Thank you, Whataburger, for helping us provide hunger-free weekends for local children. We’re cheering you on as you get settled back in Central Florida!

Welcome back, Whataburger! 🍔🎉

08/10/2026

🎒✨ First day. Fresh start. Big dreams.

As students across Central Florida head back to school, we’re celebrating the excitement of a new year—and working to make sure every child has the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Here’s to full backpacks, full bellies, and bright futures! 💙

Happy First Day of School! 📚🍎