News

“Backpack Fairy” Project Helps Hibiscus Village Youth

Indian River County - Sixteen years ago, a tradition began of filling backpacks with school supplies to donate to the youth living at the Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach so they could go back to school prepared and confident. The special part of the project is that it was created by local teens and it still continues today, driven by students 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 backpacks with school supplies for youth living at Hibiscus Children’s Village.  This wonderful tradition has continued each summer, with new students spearheading the effort every few years.  As one group graduates, younger students assume the role, with the mission to collect, donate and purchase the necessary items and backpacks for the Hibiscus youth. 

 For the past several seasons, local students Taylor Wolfe and Giuliana Battista have led this project with abundant success!  On August 1^st, the “Backpack Fairies” delivered 40 backpacks filled with school supplies, along with three extra boxes of supplies, to the Hibiscus Village.   Some of the Hibiscus youth have never owned a brand-new backpack or even 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 and literacy services.? In addition, the teens receive professional mental health counseling and trauma-informed care.  

 Thank you to these wonderful students for caring so much about other local teens and helping to ensure they are ready for a great school year! 

 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.