Livingston Educational Service Agency -

The 24th annual Backpacks for Kids drive was a remarkable success, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of community members, local businesses and churches, and dedicated volunteers. This year, nearly 1,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies were packed and distributed to students across Livingston County, ensuring they start the school year prepared and confident.

The effort was made possible through a series of community events and partnerships. Nineteen donation sites across the county, including the Livingston ESA Education Center, served as collection points for supplies and financial contributions.

The fourth annual Backpacks for Kids Golf Outing, held at The Majestic Golf Course in Hartland in partnership with the GM Professional Managers Network, welcomed 192 golfers and raised over $8,000 to support the drive. Later in the summer, the Stuff the Bus event at Howell Walmart invited shoppers to donate supplies, filling an entire school bus with backpacks and school essentials. Ten more volunteers joined in to help with the effort.

During United Way’s annual Day of Caring, 70 volunteers from local organizations—including the STEP program, Arc of Livingston, Ranger's 4-H Club, LOC Credit Union, GM Professional Managers Network, Cleary University Women’s Soccer Team, and other community members—packed backpacks, prepared resource folders, and loaded buses for delivery.

Finally, on distribution day, local district staff and volunteers welcomed families, assisted students in choosing their backpacks, and distributed resource folders and snack bags.

This year’s drive even drew media attention, with CBS Detroit featuring the initiative and helping shine a spotlight on the community’s generosity.

In total, the 2025 Backpacks for Kids initiative raised nearly $12,000 and mobilized over 170 volunteers, showing once again the strength of community support for local students.