“Backpack Fairy” Project Helps Hibiscus Village Youth
A heartwarming tradition that began 18 years ago in Vero Beach continues to make a significant impact on the lives of local youth today. The "Backpack Fairy" Project, a unique initiative created by local students, has become an enduring symbol of community spirit and compassion. This project involves filling backpacks with essential school supplies for the youth living at the Hibiscus Children’s Village, ensuring they start the school year prepared and confident. This special project is driven by teens who want to help other teens succeed.
The “Backpack Fairy” Project began in 2006 when students from St. Edwards in Vero Beach collected and filled the first backpacks with supplies for Hibiscus youth. This wonderful tradition has continued each summer with new students stepping up to spearhead these efforts. As one group graduates, younger students assume the role and keep the mission moving forward.
High school students Isabela (Isa) Argote and Carrie Jane (CJ) Fykes are this year’s Backpack Fairies! Isa and CJ collected funds to shop and purchase 40 backpacks filled with middle and high school supplies and 40 lunch bags and delivered them all to the Hibiscus Village. Some of the Hibiscus youth have never owned a brand-new backpack or entered the school year with the feeling of being prepared. The youth who call the Village home have been placed in Hibiscus’ care after being removed by the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. While living at the Village, youth receive career preparation and training services along with a focus on educational services and receiving their high school diploma or GED. In addition, the teens receive professional mental health counseling and trauma-informed care.
Thank you to these wonderful students and everyone who donated this year and previous years. Your support and caring have made a difference and helped hundreds of teens return to school ready for a great year!
We look forward to next year’s “Backpack Fairy” when the baton will be handed over to the next students who will continue to make their community a better place. For more information about Hibiscus and how you can get involved to help youth, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org or call us at (772) 299-6011.
