--- title: Backpack Program with Akron Children's --- [Skip to content](https://stephencomunale.org/backpack-program-with-akron-childrens#main-content) [![20th Logo Png](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20th%20Logo%20Png.png?width=687&height=1001&name=20th%20Logo%20Png.png)](https://stephencomunale.org?hsLang=en) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [Our Story](https://stephencomunale.org/our-story) - [Our Board](https://stephencomunale.org/board-of-directors) - [Our Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/foundation-programs-comunale-family-foundation) Show submenu for Our Programs - [Financial Assistance](https://stephencomunale.org/financial-assistance) - [Holiday Meals](https://stephencomunale.org/holiday-meals) - [Jane's Sunshine Fund](https://stephencomunale.org/janes-sunshine-fund) - [Sunshine Bags](https://stephencomunale.org/sunshine-bags) - [Partner Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/partner-programs-comunale-family-foundation) Show submenu for Partner Programs - [Akron Children's Back to School](https://stephencomunale.org/backpack-program-with-akron-childrens) - [Stephen's Fun Day](https://stephencomunale.org/stephens-fun-day) - [Food Pantries](https://stephencomunale.org/food-pantries) - [Renewal Nook](https://stephencomunale.org/renewal-nook) - [Wig Boutique](https://stephencomunale.org/wig-boutique) - Get Involved Show submenu for Get Involved - [Donate](https://stephencomunale.org/donate) - [Ways to Give](https://stephencomunale.org/ways-to-give) - [Stock transfer](https://stephencomunale.org/stock-transfer) - News & Events Show submenu for News & Events - [Recent News](https://stephencomunale.org/recent-news) - [The Event](https://stephencomunale.org/the-event) - [Past Events](https://stephencomunale.org/past-events) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [Our Story](https://stephencomunale.org/our-story) - [Our Board](https://stephencomunale.org/board-of-directors) - [Our Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/foundation-programs-comunale-family-foundation) Show submenu for Our Programs - [Financial Assistance](https://stephencomunale.org/financial-assistance) - [Holiday Meals](https://stephencomunale.org/holiday-meals) - [Jane's Sunshine Fund](https://stephencomunale.org/janes-sunshine-fund) - [Sunshine Bags](https://stephencomunale.org/sunshine-bags) - [Partner Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/partner-programs-comunale-family-foundation) Show submenu for Partner Programs - [Akron Children's Back to School](https://stephencomunale.org/backpack-program-with-akron-childrens) - [Stephen's Fun Day](https://stephencomunale.org/stephens-fun-day) - [Food Pantries](https://stephencomunale.org/food-pantries) - [Renewal Nook](https://stephencomunale.org/renewal-nook) - [Wig Boutique](https://stephencomunale.org/wig-boutique) - Get Involved Show submenu for Get Involved - [Donate](https://stephencomunale.org/donate) - [Ways to Give](https://stephencomunale.org/ways-to-give) - [Stock transfer](https://stephencomunale.org/stock-transfer) - News & Events Show submenu for News & Events - [Recent News](https://stephencomunale.org/recent-news) - [The Event](https://stephencomunale.org/the-event) - [Past Events](https://stephencomunale.org/past-events) [Apply for Help](https://stephencomunale.org/apply-online-1?hsLang=en) [Donate](https://stephencomunale.org/donate?hsLang=en) # Partner Program ![Comunale\_Website\_DataGraphics\_Foundation Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/hubfs/Icons/Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Foundation%20Programs.svg) ### Backpacks for Kids at Akron Children's ![akron-childrens-back-to-school](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/akron-childrens-back-to-school.jpg?width=900&height=608&name=akron-childrens-back-to-school.jpg)  *For a child going through cancer treatment, something as familiar as a backpack full of school supplies can be grounding. It's a signal that life goes on, that learning still matters, and that someone is in their corner, cheering them on not just through treatment, but through everything that comes after.*  #### A cancer diagnosis doesn't pause childhood. It shouldn't have to pause learning, either. Each year, we provide more than 50 fully stocked backpacks to the hematology/oncology department at Akron Children's Hospital for distribution to young patients and their siblings. Every backpack is packed with care and includes all the necessities: notebooks, pens and pencils, notecards, binders, rulers, scissors, glue, a pencil sharpener, hand sanitizer, Post-it notes, tissues, a lunch box or bag and other specially selected items. A gift card is also included so families can pick up anything additional they need. For a child going through cancer treatment, something as familiar as a backpack full of school supplies can be grounding. It's a signal that life goes on, that learning still matters, and that someone is in their corner, cheering them on not just through treatment, but through everything that comes after. ###### Thank you to our partner [![Logo - Akron Childrens](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Partner%20Logos/Logo%20-%20Akron%20Childrens.png?width=200&height=86&name=Logo%20-%20Akron%20Childrens.png)](https://www.hubspot.com/) #### Support Our Programs Our programs are made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers. Your support helps patients and their families in countless ways during their cancer journey.  [Donate Today](https://stephencomunale.org/donate?hsLang=en) ![Comunale\_Website\_DataGraphics\_Foundation Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/hubfs/Icons/Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Foundation%20Programs.svg) ### Related Programs ![Comunale\_Website\_DataGraphics\_Charity Purple](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Charity%20Purple.png?width=100&height=100&name=Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Charity%20Purple.png) ##### Financial Assistance We assist with rent or mortgage payments, utility bills (excluding non-essentials i.e. cable or internet) and other day-to-day financial needs. [LEARN MORE \>](https://stephencomunale.org/financial-assistance?hsLang=en) ![Comunale\_Website\_DataGraphics\_Horse](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Icons/Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Horse.png?width=125&height=102&name=Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Horse.png) ##### Stephen's Fun Day Stephen’s Fun Day serves as a tribute to Stephen’s passion for life, horses and determination and his extraordinary ability to bring people together.  [LEARN MORE\>](https://stephencomunale.org/stephens-fun-day?hsLang=en) ![Comunale\_Website\_DataGraphics\_Foundation Programs](https://stephencomunale.org/hubfs/Icons/Comunale_Website_DataGraphics_Foundation%20Programs.svg) ### FAQs ###### Do your services cost anything? Thanks to the generous support of our dedicated donors, and our longstanding community relations, we are pleased to provide programs and services at no cost to our applicants and participants. ###### Where are you located? We are based in Akron, Ohio (Summit County) but our grant giving and programming reach into Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties. ###### How do I contact someone about my application or a general question? Reach out to us anytime at [info@stephencomunale.org](mailto:info@stephencomunale.org) or 234.706.2052. ##### About [Board of directors](https://stephencomunale.org/board-of-directors?hsLang=en) [Our story](https://stephencomunale.org/our-story?hsLang=en) [Contact us](https://stephencomunale.org/contact-us?hsLang=en) ##### Get Help [Apply for help](https://stephencomunale.org/apply-online-1?hsLang=en) [Our programs](https://stephencomunale.org/foundation-programs-comunale-family-foundation?hsLang=en) [Partner programs](https://stephencomunale.org/partner-programs-comunale-family-foundation?hsLang=en) [Sunshine Fund nominations](https://stephencomunale.org/janes-sunshine-fund?hsLang=en) ##### Donate [Donate online](https://stephencomunale.org/donate?hsLang=en) [Transfer stock](https://50797683.hs-sites.com/stock-transfer?hsLang=en) [Ways to give](https://stephencomunale.org/ways-to-give?hsLang=en) ##### News & Events [The Event](https://stephencomunale.org/the-event?hsLang=en) [Past Events](https://stephencomunale.org/past-events?hsLang=en) [Recent news](https://stephencomunale.org/recent-news?hsLang=en) ![Comunale Foundation Logo - white](https://stephencomunale.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SAC_LOGO_White.png?width=150&height=125&name=SAC_LOGO_White.png "Comunale Foundation Logo - white") P.O. Box 13805, Akron, OH 44334 234.706.2052 [info@stephencomunale.org](mailto:info@stephencomunale.org) Copyright 2026. Comunale Cancer Foundation. All Rights Reserved. [|](https://stephencomunale.org?hsLang=en)