For the 12th consecutive year, JFS of Metrowest provided backpacks and school supplies to children in our community who need it most! Build-A-Backpack brings families together, giving us the chance to learn how we can better help and support our shared community. This year over 300 backpacks were packed, Since the start of this event JFS has donated over 4,000 backpacks to kids in need at Framingham Public Schools!

JFS in partnership with many community partners hosted five backpack events this year. Attendees brought new, empty backpacks and filled them with supplies provided by JFS, some of which were donated by community members.

Thank you to our hosts, Framingham Public Library, Wellsley Public Library, The Grossman Family, JALSA, and The Rashi School for welcoming us into your spaces. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers, community partners, donors, and current/ former board members with whom these events would not have been possible.

Special shoutouts to:

  • Axie Breen
  • Sheldon Golder
  • The Teens of Rashi Student Leadership
  • The Grossman Family
  • JALSA

The Build-A-Backpack event is part of JFS’ Pathways to Academic Growth, Empowerment and Success (PAGES) programming, formerly Reducing Achievement Gaps (RAG). PAGES is a unique, multi-tiered program focused on addressing the academic, social, and basic assistance needs of low-income children of immigrant families in Framingham.


To make a donation to JFS to support this and other programs please click “donate now”!