More Than Backpacks: Annual BAM Event Set for July 25

For more than a decade, a program that began with a simple mission has helped ensure local children head back to school with more than just supplies in their backpacks.

The Backpack Assistance Ministry (B.A.M.) Program was launched in 2012 by the Union Baptist Association after school districts were no longer able to continue the effort due to discontinued grant funding. The goal was to make Jesus known throughout the community while providing children with backpacks filled with school supplies, a Bible, a copy of the United States Constitution and other essentials for the upcoming school year.

The program's success became closely tied to the work of longtime coordinator Carleen Benson. After being approached by Hickory Valley Baptist Church Pastor Doug Benningfield about leading the effort, Benson spent the next decade helping grow the ministry into a community-wide event that serves hundreds of families each year.

That work eventually led to a partnership with the Sparta-White County Family YMCA.

“When we recruited Carleen as a Director at the Y, we we aware of her work with BAM and that influenced our decision to pursue her, but we never envisioned this partnership,” said YMCA CEO Kyle Goff.

Benson later helped transition the program to the YMCA, a move that would prove critical when she passed away unexpectedly in February 2025.

“Last year was difficult. It took our board and staff a long time to recover from Carleen’s passing. She was a friend, a mentor, an advisor. I cannot tell you the things she was doing for us behind the scenes. Carleen knew the day would come, that is why she brought us in. She told me she needed a group of young servant leaders who could be visionaries for this program and carry it forward. It started with a parking lot conversation and things moved quickly after that. The support from Carleen and the Union Baptist Association in the initial process to get us started was truly a blessing. After Carleen’s guidance for 3 years, we had a proven model for last year without her," Goff talked about the grief and the transition that came last year. "We will continue to work to ensure we carry out Carleen’s vision: all area churches and schools working together in unity as servants of Christ to bless the children in the community. The Y will work to glorify God and make Jesus known by serving the youth in our community, just as it was the original mission of Carleen and the program years ago. I know her spirit will be with us.”

This year's event, now known as Benson's Backpack Assistance Ministry, will take place Saturday, July 25, at 9 a.m. at the White County High School football field. The event is free and open to school-aged students from White and Van Buren counties.

The ministry has grown into much more than a backpack giveaway. Along with school supplies, families can receive Bibles, copies of the Constitution, books, food boxes, hygiene care bags and other resources. Children will also be treated to snow cones and activities as volunteers from churches, organizations and businesses come together to serve the community.

Preparation for the event begins the day before. Volunteers are invited to help pack backpacks on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. inside the YMCA basketball gymnasium.

“This event and all of our other community service initiatives do require funds and are not possible without philanthropy. If you designate a donation directly to this program, we will ensure that this is where your money goes. You can visit spartawhitecountyymca.org/donate and donate online or stop by the YMCA Welcome Center, or send via mail. We need donations and we need volunteers. If you are unable to donate, come to the Y the day before the event and help us pack the backpacks,” Goff said.

As organizers prepare for another year of serving local families, they say the event remains rooted in the same purpose that inspired it more than a decade ago — bringing churches, schools and community members together to meet practical needs while sharing their faith.

“If you have not witnessed this event, you are missing out on one of God's intersections,” Goff said.