The Impact of a Simple Note

Fort Wayne, Indiana

At Blessings in a Backpack, we believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of children. One such act is the inclusion of uplifting messages in our bags of food, which are distributed to kids every Friday during the school year. These messages of hope and encouragement are designed to provide emotional support alongside nutritional sustenance. Recently, we received a touching message from a teacher at one of our schools in our Blessings in a Backpack Fort Wayne program that perfectly illustrates the impact these notes can have.

The teacher shared the story of a first-grade student who faces significant challenges at home. This young boy often comes to school visibly distressed, withdrawing into himself and trying to disappear from the world around him. His teacher noticed a remarkable change in him since he started carrying around the note from his bag, received during Christmas.

Despite continuing to have difficult mornings, the student now has a new coping mechanism. When he feels overwhelmed, he pulls out the message that tells him he is great and holds onto it until class begins. This simple note, a tangible reminder that someone believes in him, has become a source of comfort and strength.

The teacher emphasized how significant this small gesture has been for her student:

“It makes a difference, a BIG difference, for kids like him to know someone else thinks he’s great too.”

This heartwarming story is a testament to the impact of positive reinforcement and community support on young lives. At Blessings in a Backpack, we feed children’s bodies and nourish their spirits. Stories like this motivate us to continue our mission more passionately and enthusiastically.