Campus Gives "Back" Packs to Students

Students in Howard University Caribbean Student Association have strapped up their book bags in an effort to give back to their communities through "Lili's Backpack Project."

Lili Stephens-Henry, senior acting major and creator of the initiative, said that students can donate a new or used backpack for a student who is in need of one. These backpacks will be distributed in countries such as Haiti and Jamaica, and even right here in Washington, D.C.

The vision and motivation behind the initiative stemmed from when Stephens interned in Jamaica two summers ago and noticed the high price just to purchase a backpack. In addition, Stephens also noticed that at the end of the semesters, students would dump unwanted items such as clothing and footwear that they may not want to send or take back home, some of those items being backpacks.

"I am planning for this project to be an annual affair for the last semester of the academic year with more colleges and adding school supplies as well for donations," said Stephens-Henry. "It will become part of my philanthropic initiative as I head into my acting career. In fact, I am already thinking I will have to register it as a non-profit so that I can apply for grants." 

The goal is to collect 500 backpacks or more between now and May 15. Two schools in Ward 7 are set to receive these donations, as well as two schools in Jamaica. Dormitories will set up bins or receptacles for the donated backpacks. Students should look out for them in the lobbies of their respective dorms.