Matilda Sandstrom and Kelly Belknap, the husband and wife duo who co-founded Adventurist Backpack Co., create backpacks for the purpose of giving back by helping feed families in need around the United States through a third party partnership called Feeding America.
Based on a desire to help those in need, the couple said Adventurist Backpack Co. donates 25 meals for each backpack sold. This year, the Harding University Bookstore bought 12 of these backpacks to sell to students in partnership with Adventurist.
The idea for the organization started when the couple fit 25 meals in their backpacks and gave them to people throughout the day, and that mission has carried on through their efforts.
Harding University Bookstore employee senior Camille Sloan said she feels it’s important for Harding to be a part of this cause.
“I think that is so awesome that the bookstore participates in selling these backpacks to provide meals to those in need across the United States,” Sloan said. “I feel this way because Harding is at its core a Christian institution, and every way that we can show the love of Christ all across campus is so important.”
Charity is a powerful motivator that can convince a consumer to buy a product for the purpose of giving back, which is the focus of Harding’s slogan, “Community of Mission.”
David Hall, Harding bookstore manager, expressed the importance of the bookstore giving back.
“Our whole purpose of being here is to serve the Harding students,” Hall said. “What some people don’t realize is that every single penny that is spent in the bookstore goes right back to the Harding students. We’re trying wherever we can to be socially aware while still being a source of revenue for the University to help out all the students.”
Michael Hammonds, senior business student, expressed his view on the importance of charity and giving back to people in need, especially from a business standpoint.
“From my perspective, charity is a great tool that a business can use to leverage consumers into having a positive outlook on that business,” Hammonds said. “It’s great to see that Harding is constantly involved in ways that give back whether they be big or small.”
Harding partners with Adventurist Backpack Co.
