The Backpack Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to addressing the educational supply needs of area children by providing new backpacks, school supplies, school uniforms, and mentoring programs. We have been in existence since 2009 and have provided assistance to over 2,000 D.C. Public School children, living in the inner-city neighborhoods of Washington, DC - one of the poorest communities, where 99% of the students are living below poverty and categorized as Title 1 schools, thus receiving free or reduced breakfast and lunch. We believe that every child, regardless of their economic or social status, should be fully prepared and ready to learn on the first day of school and are committed to making this happen. We also believe in creating an environment where students learn to enjoy reading and writing outside of the classroom setting. For this reason, a writing journal (created by The Backpack Project, Inc. - "It's All About Me") and age-appropriate reading book is included in every backpack.