Big Give Spotlight: Backpack Buddies

Big Give Spotlight: Caring for the Least, Sharing Jesus

One of the greatest joys of our Big Give is seeing generosity turn into real hope for real people in our community. This year, as part of our commitment to give away the first $50,000 of the Big Give offering, we are partnering with organizations that are reaching the lost, serving the last, and caring for the least.

One of those partners is Leavenworth Backpack Buddies.

Meeting a Real Need

Food insecurity is often hidden, especially among children. Many students rely on school meals during the week, but weekends can be filled with uncertainty and hunger. Backpack Buddies steps into that gap by providing bags of food for children to take home each weekend during the school year.

This year, Leavenworth Backpack Buddies is serving 310 first–third grade children who are experiencing food insecurity. Each bag of food represents nourishment, dignity, and care — and it costs $308 per child per year.

Because of your generosity, Westside’s Big Give contribution will fully provide food for 13 children for the entire year of 2026. That’s 13 children who will head into each weekend knowing they are seen, valued, and cared for.

A Word from Backpack Buddies

Here’s what the team at Leavenworth Backpack Buddies shared with us:

"This year Leavenworth Backpack Buddies is supporting 310 food-insecure, first through third grade children with a bag of food each weekend during the school year. The cost is $308 per child per year. Westside's contribution will support 13 of the children for an entire year. We are most thankful for the support from Westside's congregation over many years. May God bless everyone for their generosity. We could not do this without you. Well done & thanks.
— Rich Keller, Leavenworth Backpack Buddies

Sharing Jesus Through Compassion

At Westside, we believe that sharing Jesus isn’t just something we say — it’s something we do. Jesus consistently cared for those who were overlooked, hungry, and vulnerable. When we care for the least, we reflect His heart and point people to His love.

Providing food may seem simple, but it communicates something powerful: you matter. It opens doors for trust, hope, and the tangible expression of the gospel.

This is why we give. This is why we partner. This is why we lead with generosity.

Thank you, Westside, for being a church that lives out its faith, wraps God’s family around families, and shares Jesus by loving our neighbors well.

Well done.