Backpack Program
Since 2020, RABMIN has given away more than 10,000 backpacks to underserved kids in Costa Rica! Each backpack is packed in the USA by volunteers and filled to the brim with toys, art supplies, hygeine products, and, most importantly, an abundance of hope, joy and love.
Our 2026 goal: get backpacks in the hands of 7,500 kids who need it most!
Let's Get Started!
1
Make a Plan!
- Pick a time and location for your Packing Event
- Let us know how many backpacks you want to pack, we will purchase at a discounted rate all of the supplies you will need and bring them with us to your event
- Recruit volunteers to serve at the Packing Event
2
Let’s Do This Together!
- We’ll provide a RABMIN rep on-site to introduce the mission and project and help to facilitate the event
- Assemble the backpacks and box them up
- We will take the backpacks with us when we leave and ship them to Costa Rica for distribution
Pack with us,
triple your impact!
Only $34/backpack
3
Let’s See Your Impact!
- Share your experience with us at gllbackpacks@rabmin.org or use #golivelove
- Follow RABMIN on social media to see pictures and videos of distribution events in schools and communities
- Come experience it for yourself – bring a group to hand-deliver backpacks with us in Costa Rica
It’s more than just packing a backpack,
it’s a chance to Go Live Love.
Did you know?
Plan Your Go Live Love
Backpack Packing Party
Share the gift of joy and hope today!
Go Live Love Backpacks FAQs
Why are you changing the format of the Backpack Program?
Great question! This model ensures consistent, high-quality backpacks for every child, significantly reduces costs through bulk item purchasing (from $94/backpack retail to $34 with us), and simplifies the process by removing the need to collect items. It also provides hands-on support for your volunteers and helps connect them more deeply to the mission!
What is included in the cost to host the packing event?
We only charge for the cost of the backpack itself, its contents (typically 18-20 items), and a $15 per backpack shipping fee to cover the cost to mail them to Costa Rica. For all additional indirect costs associated with the Go Live Love Backpack Program, we rely on the generosity of our partners. If you’d like to contribute or learn more, we would love to chat with you! Email Fred Curry at fred@rabmin.org.
How long are packing events and how many volunteers will we need?
A group of about 25 volunteers can typically pack 100 backpacks in approximately two hours. The great part is that there are roles for all ages and ability levels, making this an ideal opportunity for families, students, and multi-generational groups to serve together. If you have more volunteers, you can increase the number of backpacks packed or shorten the event time. We’ll work with you ahead of time to align your volunteer count with your goals and ensure a smooth, engaging experience for everyone involved.
What if our volunteers still want to purchase something to go into the backpacks?
Absolutely – we love this! We would recommend picking one item, such as a stuffed animal, for people to purchase and donate. We can give you parameters and recommendations to ensure similar items are received. This is a great way to personalize the backpacks and get people involved!
What kind of support will your team provide?
You’ll be paired with a dedicated RABMIN team member to ensure a smooth and meaningful experience from start to finish. We’ll partner with you on all pre-event logistics, coordinating materials delivery, helping determine volunteer needs, and selecting the right date and setup for your space. On the day of the event, our team provides hands-on, on-site support with setup, efficient packing flow, and volunteer coordination. We’ll also help cast vision by sharing the purpose behind the backpacks and the tangible impact your volunteers are making. From planning to execution, we’re there with you every step of the way.
Are there more opportunities to partner with RABMIN?
There are so many great ways to join us! One way is through a mission trip to our Base Camp in Costa Rica – where you and your team can experience first-hand the distribution of these backpacks, participate in food distribution and see the faces of the children you are making a difference for. It is an experience you won’t forget.
