Hope Backpack Program
Comfort, coping tools, and a reminder that someone cares.
A Hope Backpack is more than a bag. It places age-appropriate support directly into the hands of a grieving child or teen.
HOPE
A tangible expression of care
What is a Hope Backpack?
A gentle starting point for expression and connection.
Each backpack is created to offer comfort, encourage healthy coping, and help a child remember that they are seen, loved, and supported.
Contents are selected with a child’s or teen’s age in mind and may vary based on availability and need.
Inside the backpack
Small tools that can make a meaningful difference.
A Hope Backpack may include:
Reflect
Journal or notebook
A private place for thoughts, questions, memories, writing, or drawing.
Understand
Grief-support resources
Age-appropriate books and information that help make difficult feelings easier to name.
Create
Art and memory supplies
Creative tools for expression, remembrance, and activities shared with a caregiver.
Cope
Comfort and sensory items
A comfort item, stress ball, affirmation cards, or other calming tools.
Request a backpack
Start with a conversation.
Parents, legal guardians, and trusted community organizations may contact Brighter Days for information about availability and eligibility.
Sponsor hope
Help place comfort into a child’s hands.
Individuals, families, businesses, churches, and community partners can support backpacks through donations, supply drives, and volunteer assembly opportunities.
A backpack cannot remove grief. It can remind a child they do not carry it alone.
Help us extend care, comfort, and hope to grieving children throughout Jacksonville.