It all started with a group of local women talking about how to best help local youth facing homelessness. Getting food into their bellies was a main concern. Research has shown that children who are hungry have more physical and behavioral problems in the classroom, including anxiety, aggression, tardiness, lack of focus – the list goes on and on. To address the concern, Homeless Backpacks was created in 2006 with Kelly Wilson as founder and chair. Nineteen years and a name change later, the nonprofit is going stronger than ever and Kelly is stepping down in her role. Matthew Klifman will take over as All Kids Win board chair.
Matthew is a vice president, financial sales manager at First Citizens Bank in Lacey. He has been involved with All Kids Win for several years, becoming a member of the board in 2019. “My family and I helped several students that needed resources, a place to stay and support while our kids were attending North Thurston Public Schools,” he shares. “Once I learned where the weekend food bags were coming from, I sought out the organization and got involved where I could.”
All Kids Win: A Food Resource for Thurston County Youth
All Kids Win collects food via food drives and corporate donations, as well as purchases food with monies raised at fundraisers. Groups of dedicated volunteers sort and organize the food, and then they stuff backpacks with nonperishable, filling food. Their weekend food bags usually contain a can of chili, top ramen, shelf stable milk, soup, oatmeal, granola bars, microwave popcorn, protein bars, canned tuna, applesauce, Easy Mac and a sweet like Rice Krispies Treats.
Their backpacks are distributed to kids in middle and high schools in North Thurston, Tumwater and Olympia, and kindergarten through high school in Tenino, Rainier, Yelm and Rochester. The goal is to keep their bellies full, so they can concentrate at school and be healthier all around. No child should go hungry.
Every person associated with the All Kids Win is a volunteer, so more funds can go towards feeding local kids. This dedication is what drew Matthew to the organization. “Witnessing this all-volunteer organization meet such demand while providing a solution to a real need in our student population was inspiring,” Matthew says. “Also, knowing benefactors of the program and their stories – I had to get involved. I believe in no barrier resources that help students that are housing and/or food insecure graduate high school. All Kids Win is actively working to end the cycle, one student at a time.”
Matthew did not pursue the idea of being board chair, but when he was asked to move into the role by Kelly, he accepted. “I took it on as a responsibility of mine and an honor to allow her to step back after 19 years of service,” he says.
Matthew notes that often, the food bags are more than just food. They are dispersed through the schools, which often allow the school staff to reach out and get to know students that may avoid them otherwise. “I know that these students don’t have a choice in their circumstances,” Matthew says. “The food they get at school – breakfast and lunch – keeps the attendance up while these weekend bags not only get them through the weekend ,but provide the school staff a trust tool to connect the student to additional resources that may be available.”
The backpacks give school staff an opening to start conversations to help these kids. It’s a vital service.
Attend All Kids Win Events and Help Local Youth in Need
Unfortunately, the need for All Kids Win seems to keep growing ever year. COVID was particularly hard, with kids no longer having access to school meals. Thankfully, it’s easy for the community to help support All Kids Win’s efforts. All you have to do is donate food or monies to help buy food. And of course, as a nonprofit, your donations are tax deductable.
Volunteers are always needed for sorting and packing as well. Often, businesses and service groups volunteer together – it’s a great bonding experience and fun too! Maybe your group of friends has been looking for something to do together each month – volunteering with All Kids Win is definitely a good idea.
You can also attend an All Kids Win fundraising event! These fun events happen throughout the year and are a great way to support the nonprofit.
On July 12, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. is the 2025 Kluh Jewelers Classics and Cool Rides Car Show. Bring your cool car and show – online pre-registration is just $20 or day of is $30. Enterants will get dash plaques and trophies will be awarded. All Kids Win will be hosting raffles with lots of prizes. All proceeds support All Kids Win. It’s free to the public to come and view the cars, but donations to All Kids Win are appreciated! Car show will be held at Kluh Jewelers, 810 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Suite A, Lacey. To learn more, visit the All Kids Win website.
Read more about All Kids Win here.
