Empty Porch & Benjamin’s Backpacks: Expanding Impact Together

We can’t think of two initiatives more fitting to unite. Just as it was natural to partner with our dear friends at Mason’s Movement, it was just as clear to run these two efforts side by side—expanding the reach of compassion and care.

Empty Porch Project

This initiative has now grown nationwide. In 2025, we provided care packages to grieving parents in seven states across the country.

These packages are sent during the back-to-school season. A time when many families are celebrating milestones, but parents of loss are often aching with absence. We want them to know their pain is seen, their children remembered, and their grief honored.

In the dark heaviness of loss, it is brightly heartening to share this comfort across the country.

Benjamin’s Backpacks

Thanks to generous donations of supplies, sponsorships, and monetary gifts, this year we collected and distributed over 6,000 school items to students in need throughout the Pittsburgh region.

School districts and programs served:

  • The Children’s Institute

  • Montour

  • Penn Trafford

  • Sto-Rox

  • St. Anthony’s School Programs

Gratitude & Community

We are delighted to help local students begin the new school year with confidence and supplies in hand. This was made possible by:

  • Individuals who purchased and donated items

  • Sponsors and donors who filled specific needs

  • Clever Park Pool in Robinson Township, who spread the word and collected supplies

  • And most inspiring—students themselves from receiving schools, who raised their own funds to support peers

Seeing children help children was one of the most moving parts of this year’s initiative.

Looking Ahead

With your help, Benjamin’s Backpacks can continue to grow. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to help children—whether through schools, churches, or community groups. Businesses and organizations can also make a direct local impact.

We begin planning for the next school year well before the current one ends. If you or your child’s group would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. Your feedback, ideas, and participation matter.

Together, we can keep expanding compassion—one backpack, one care package, one child at a time.