A Voice for the Good: Boomerang Backpacks
3Rivers is proud to support so many of the non-profit organizations that are committed to making our community a better place to live, work, and play, and we want to help spread the word about the difference they're making in our region. We’ve teamed up with 97.3WMEE to bring you A Voice for the Good, a series in which we feature local organizations on our website in the form of an informative articles as well as on-air segments highlighting the non-profits’ missions.
This article features Boomerang Backpacks, a local non-profit with a mission dedicated to supporting local elementary-aged students facing food insecurity while enlightening our community about giving back.
We connected with Kyrie Hernandezpeterson, Executive Director, to learn more about the impact this organization is making in our region.
How did Boomerang Backpacks come to be? What’s the history/story behind how the organization initially got started?
Boomerang Backpacks began in 2008 when our Board President, Mark Cockroft, founded the program to support food-insecure elementary students at East Noble Schools. At the time, I was a senior in his class and have been involved with Boomerang Backpacks since the very beginning. What started as a small, local effort has grown into a regional mission. Today, Boomerang Backpacks feeds over 4,000 elementary students in more than 45 schools across nine counties in Northeast Indiana—helping ensure no child goes hungry over the weekend.
What is the official mission of Boomerang Backpacks, and how is it currently being put into play?
Our Mission Statement: “To provide weekend nourishment to elementary students struggling with food insecurities while educating others about service projects and philanthropy.”
We put this mission into practice by distributing backpacks filled with nutritious, non-perishable foods every weekend to over 4,000 elementary students across nine counties in Northeast Indiana. These bags typically include breakfast items and a protein-rich meal to ensure kids have enough to eat over the weekend. Beyond food distribution, we engage older students—including those from functional skills classes—in packing the backpacks, fostering a culture of service and giving back. With an average cost of about $110 per student per year, our program maximizes every donation to make a direct, lasting impact in our communities—helping children focus on learning instead of hunger.
When we give to our communities, the good always comes back around.
How do you see the mission and vision of Boomerang Backpacks evolving in the future in the Northeast Indiana community? Where do you see your organization a year from now, or even five years from now?
At Boomerang Backpacks, our mission will always be rooted in ensuring that no child goes hungry over the weekend—but as our communities grow, so must our reach and impact.
In the next year, we aim to strengthen partnerships with local schools, increase community involvement, and secure sustainable funding to support the more than 4,000 students we currently serve. We also hope to add new schools where needs still exist and improve the nutritional quality of our backpack contents where possible.
Looking five years ahead, our vision is to expand our reach to every school district in Northeast Indiana that identifies a need. We also hope to deepen student engagement in the program—offering more leadership, service-learning, and inclusion opportunities for middle and high school students who help with packing and logistics. Additionally, we plan to build stronger collaborations with local businesses, civic groups, and volunteers to ensure our program is not just sustained, but thriving.
Ultimately, we envision Boomerang Backpacks as more than just a food program—it will continue growing as a community-driven movement where service, compassion, and hope are passed from one generation to the next.
Are there any exciting new developments, updates, or changes that have recently taken place at Boomerang Backpacks?
Yes! At Boomerang Backpacks, we’ve seen a consistent and significant 7% increase in student need each of the last three years—a clear sign that our program is more essential than ever. This growth underscores just how many families in Northeast Indiana rely on our support. In response, we’ve been working hard to expand our partnerships, increase fundraising efforts, and improve our logistics to meet the rising demand. We’re also excited to be enhancing student involvement in the packing process, empowering older students to take a more active role in service and community leadership. As the need continues to grow, so does our determination to ensure no child in our region goes hungry over the weekend. Our program is needed—and we’re rising to the challenge.
Could you share a standout story or two that really illustrates the impact of Boomerang Backpacks and/or its programs has on people in our community?
Absolutely, the impact of Boomerang Backpacks is felt deeply in the lives of students and families throughout Northeast Indiana, and we hear powerful stories regularly that remind us why this work matters.
One moment that truly stuck with us happened when we discovered that two young elementary school sisters were coming to school on Mondays absolutely starving. They hadn’t had anything to eat all weekend. When we learned of their situation, we contacted the family immediately and added them to our weekly backpack list. It was a Monday, so instead of waiting until Friday, we packed backpacks that same day so they wouldn’t have to go another day hungry. Later that week, thanks to a private donation, we were also able to include personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes — things these girls desperately needed.
Another parent, a single mom of two daughters, shared that the Boomerang Backpacks have been a huge help to her family. She told us, “The girls love the cereal, and cereal is too expensive for me to buy for them. Thank you for this program that helps me feed my girls.”
We also hear from educators. One long-time administrator who has worked in multiple school districts told us:
“I’ve seen the life-changing benefits of Boomerang Backpacks. Many families have come to rely on the program. It not only ensures students have essential nutrition over the weekend, it also eases the financial burden on families who are struggling.”
Stories like these remind us that our work goes far beyond food — we’re providing dignity, stability, and hope. And with the continued rise in need, our commitment to every child remains stronger than ever.
How can those interested in your services go about getting started or getting in touch?
Anyone interested in Boomerang Backpacks—whether you're a parent in need, a school looking to get involved, or a community member who wants to support our mission—can reach out to us directly.
The best way to get started is by contacting our Executive Director. You can email Kyrie Hernandezpeterson at ed@boomerangbackpacks.org or call/text 260.242.3428.
You may also visit our website (boomerangbackpacks.org) and social media pages for more information. If you're a school staff member wanting to bring Boomerang Backpacks to your students, we’d love to connect and explore how we can partner!
We’re always happy to talk about how to get involved—whether that means receiving backpacks, donating, volunteering, or supporting in other ways. Let’s work together to make sure every child in Northeast Indiana has what they need to thrive.
Are there other local non-profit organizations that Boomerang Backpacks works/partners with to enhance their programs?
Yes! Boomerang Backpacks proudly partners with a variety of local nonprofits, churches, schools, civic groups, and community foundations across Northeast Indiana. These partnerships help us pack and distribute backpacks, fund our efforts, and expand our reach—so we can feed even more students in need.
Boomerang Backpacks has excellent partnerships with many local businesses, as well. We operate out of donated space from a local storage company which provides both an office and storage unit. In addition, Kraft Foods has at least one annual packing day where they donate and supply enough food to feed 325 students, Dow Corporation has started an annual packing day that feeds another 325 students. Several area churches provide ongoing support through their missions funds and providing volunteers. We have an excellent partnership with the Kendallville Applebee’s and the local Arby’s Foundation. In addition, two of our largest annual donors are the Elks BPO #155 and Steel Dynamics. There are also other anonymous and individual donors who support Boomerang Backpacks regularly.
In addition, we have partnerships with Gordon Food Services and Commercial Food Systems where we work together with the school systems to eliminate delivery fees and receive a discount on food ordered. We are grateful for the community support without which we could not accomplish our mission.
Are there opportunities for community members to volunteer at Boomerang Backpacks—and if so, how can they go about learning more?
Yes, there are many ways for community members to volunteer and support Boomerang Backpacks!
You can help by:
- Volunteering to pack backpacks at local schools or community centers, working alongside students and staff to prepare weekend food bags.
- Hosting fundraisers to raise money that directly funds the purchase of food and supplies.
- Spreading the word by sharing our mission with friends, family, and on social media to increase awareness and support.
Volunteering not only helps provide nutritious food to over 4,000 elementary students in 9 counties, but it also builds community and teaches the value of service.
If you’re interested, the best way to get started is to contact Kyrie directly or visit our website and social media channels. We’ll help connect you with opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.
Together, community involvement fuels our program’s success—so no matter how you choose to help, you’ll be making a vital difference in a child’s life.
In what other ways can community members support Boomerang Backpacks—be it through monetary donations, material donations, education, etc.? Do you have an itemized wish list of any kind?
Community members can support Boomerang Backpacks in many meaningful ways beyond volunteering:
- Monetary donations are critical. Even $10 a month can feed one child for an entire school year. Donations help us purchase nutritious food and essential supplies efficiently.
- Organizing food buying drives where groups, businesses, or churches can purchase unopened, shelf-stable food items—like breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, canned proteins, and other nutritious options. We ask that donations be collected in quantities that can support the needs of a specific school or area to ensure efficient packing and distribution..
- Education and awareness efforts, like sharing our story on social media or in community groups, help grow support and reach more families in need.
- Participating in or sponsoring one of our area fund-raising events. (More information about specific events, including our annual Golf Outing, can be found on our website.)
We utilize the Kroger Community Rewards program, where a portion of your purchases can be donated to Boomerang Backpacks at no extra cost to you!
To join Kroger Community Rewards, create or log into your Kroger account online or through the Kroger app. Search for Boomerang Backpacks under "Community Rewards" and link your rewards card. Every time you shop and use your card, Kroger donates a portion to our program.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Kyrie Hernandezpeterson or visit our website. Every bit of support brings us closer to ending weekend hunger for thousands of kids in Northeast Indiana.
Where can our readers learn more about Boomerang Backpacks or about getting involved?
Readers can learn more about Boomerang Backpacks and how to get involved by visiting our website at boomerangbackpacks.org. There, you’ll find detailed information about our mission, impact, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to donate. You can also connect with us on social media—follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and stories from the community.
For personal questions or to explore specific ways to help, reach out directly to Kyrie at ed@boomerangbackpacks.org or 260.242.3428. We’re excited to welcome new friends and supporters who want to make a difference!
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about Boomerang Backpacks?
Yes, there’s so much more to Boomerang Backpacks than just food distribution. We are a community-driven effort fueled by passion and teamwork. With only one part-time employee (our Executive Director), a dedicated Board of Directors, and over 175 volunteers—including adults, students, and community members—we are able to carry out our mission effectively.
Over 85% of all funds collected go directly toward feeding food-insecure elementary students. Each participating school has an adult volunteer coordinator who organizes packing events, orders food, monitors student participation, fundraises, and distributes backpacks.
Thanks to this incredible network, we continue to see an increase in the number of students served every school year—showing just how essential our program is in Northeast Indiana. Boomerang Backpacks doesn’t just provide meals; we build hope, dignity, and community. Together, we’re making sure no child faces hunger over the weekend and can focus on learning and growing.
Interested in featuring your non-profit on our website and on 97.3WMEE’s A Voice for the Good? Text "VOICE" to 46862! Please note that this may lead you to incur standard text messaging rates or other applicable charges consistent with your wireless carrier/mobile phone plan.