Backpack Event
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From a Simple Idea to a Community Tradition: The Dream Keepers Foundation Backpack Giveaway More Than a Backpack—An Investment in Our Future.
When the Dream Keepers Foundation held its first Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, our vision was simple: Honor our late brother, Dr. Terrence "Newt" Newton by helping students begin the school year with confidence and remind families that their community believes in them.
What started as a backpack distribution has grown into something much bigger.
Today, our annual event represents collaboration, service, and hope. It has become a place where nonprofit organizations, businesses, churches, volunteers, educators, and community leaders come together with one common goal—to make sure every child starts the school year feeling prepared, encouraged, and valued.
Looking Back
Our first events proved one important thing: when a community works together, amazing things happen.
Together we have:
* Distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.
* Connected families with valuable community resources.
* Provided free haircuts to help students look and feel their best.
* Offered food, entertainment, games, and family-friendly activities.
* Created opportunities for local organizations to serve together instead of separately.
One of our proudest moments came when more than 150 students walked away with backpacks and smiles, while families enjoyed a day designed just for them.
Every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and supporter helped make that possible.
Growing Bigger in 2026
This year, we're raising the bar once again.
The 2026 Dream Keepers Foundation Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway will take place on:
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Transformation Church
614 S. Dupont Highway
Dover, Delaware
Our goal isn't simply to hand out backpacks.
Our goal is to create a complete community experience.
Families can expect:
- Backpack giveaways
- Free children's haircuts
- Community resource tables
- Food and refreshments
- Children's games and activities
- Giveaways throughout the even
- Shoe gift card Golden Ticket surprises
- Opportunities to learn about mentoring, scholarships, and youth development
It Takes a Village No nonprofit succeeds alone. We are grateful for the incredible organizations and businesses that continue investing in the children of Kent County.
Special thanks to our community partners and supporters, including:
- Transformation Church
- Community Care of Delaware
- Dover Alumni (DE) Chapter
- Bring U Nutrition
- Edward Jones
- Dover Community Pharmacy
Our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and countless community members who believe every child deserves an opportunity to succeed. Their generosity allows us to continue serving more students every year.
Looking Toward the Future
Our vision extends far beyond one day in August.
Every backpack placed into a student's hands represents a future graduate, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, educator, engineer, public servant, artist, or community leader.
Through our Dream 13 mentoring initiative, scholarships, leadership development, financial literacy programs, and community partnerships, we remain committed to supporting young people throughout their educational journey—not just on the first day of school.
The Backpack Giveaway is simply the beginning. How You Can Help:
Community impact isn't measured by the size of one donation. It's measured by the number of people willing to help. Whether you sponsor a backpack, volunteer for the day, donate school supplies, provide community resources, or simply share our mission with others, you become part of changing a child's future.
We invite you to join us as we continue growing this tradition and investing in the next generation. Because when a community believes in its children, everyone wins.
