The outcomes of early elementary education, such as reading proficiency by third grade and social relationships learned in school are powerful predictors of later school and life success.  For many students, something as simple as starting the school year without the necessary classroom supplies can slow their growth and hinder their ability to reach their full potential.  School budgets often have a gap between what is received and what is needed.  We all know teachers often do so much more than just teach academics to children and this often includes using their own funds to supply their classrooms.   According to the NEA teachers at low-poverty schools spent an average of $434 on classroom supplies while teachers at high-poverty schools spent an average of $523 for classroom supplies. 

Murphy’s Backpacks was founded because we knew we could help our partner schools fill the gap for many families who struggle to provide the necessary supplies. We knew then that providing students with NEW backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, folders, notebooks, erasers and providing the administration office with paper and pens (and so much more!) makes a positive difference and a positive difference can have a huge impact.  As we continued to grow we learned as great as the need is for basic school supplies our teachers have many additional barriers we strive to help them lift to support these young learners.