In a world full of uncertainties, finding a sense of control can be challenging. For 16-year-old Annie McIntyre, a junior at Scranton Prep, academics provided that anchor. Inspired by her love for learning, Annie embarked on a mission this summer to support her local community’s youngest learners.
Annie collected and donated 60 backpacks brimming with essential school supplies to students across three school districts in Lackawanna County. “Middle school obviously isn’t easy for anyone,” she reflected, “I just wanted other kids to be able to get their mind off of everything crazy going on.”
Initiating the Backpack Drive
The concept for Annie’s “Build-a-Backpack” initiative came to life in March with assistance from Dominique Preate, a teacher at Scranton Prep. By June, Annie had launched a campaign on social media, which garnered both monetary contributions and school supply donations. She also placed donation boxes in local businesses and eateries.
“A lot of family and friends were very gracious and gave some supplies and money for the drive,” Annie noted. “It was just awesome having so many people grouping together to support others.” In total, Annie amassed hundreds of various supplies, including pencils, notebooks, crayons, and more.
The supplies were distributed among the Dunmore, Riverside, and Scranton districts, benefiting seven schools. “We donated them to three local districts and seven schools, which was pretty awesome, in hopes that everyone can go back to school with everything they need,” she explained.
Lisa Owens, Principal of Charles Sumner Elementary School, praised the thoughtful assembly of the backpacks, noting, “She went above and beyond by organizing and labeling the backpacks with supplies that were appropriate for different age groups and genders.” The school was grateful for Annie’s contributions, which were met with enthusiasm by the students.
According to Annie’s mother, Kirsten McIntyre, Annie’s efforts not only equipped students with needed supplies but also aimed to instill confidence. “She’s always reading that a child who is in a good state of mind is a child who’s ready to succeed,” she remarked.
Annie also introduced “Kindness Karts” — carts filled with supplies that students can access by paying it forward with acts of kindness. “This is my first time ever doing something like this,” Annie shared. “I learned a lot, which was great.”
Innate Generosity
Annie’s philanthropic spirit is hardly new. Her mother attributes this to her “generosity gene,” noting Annie’s history of volunteering and fundraising. Even as a child, Annie showed compassion, such as when she requested her parents to send pizzas to nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Annie balances her time between sports and various school clubs, she is already planning her next community service venture. She envisions organizing a drive for summer safety supplies, drawing on insights gained from her recent project. “It’ll definitely be a lot easier just to get things started,” she stated. “I’m really excited for that.”
Annie’s initiative has inspired others, with peers reaching out to her for guidance on launching their service projects. “If everybody did something more every day to help one another, I think everything would just be better in the world,” Kirsten McIntyre commented. “Kindness is contagious.”
