At VESSEL, we believe in building more than just the best bags—we strive to make a lasting impact on communities in need. That’s why we launched Buy a Bag, Give a Bag, a philanthropic initiative that donates a school backpack to a child in need for every VESSEL bag sold. Over the past decade, this program has become a defining part of our identity, helping us create opportunities for students worldwide.
How Buy a Bag, Give a Bag Makes a Difference
Through meaningful partnerships with nonprofits, charities, and local organizations, we ensure our school backpack donations reach children facing economic hardship, displacement, or challenging life circumstances. These backpacks serve more than just a practical purpose; they offer a sense of ownership, dignity, and security to young students.
Some of the incredible organizations we’ve partnered with include:
- World Vision – A humanitarian organization dedicated to poverty relief and education.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities – Supporting families with sick children by providing comfort and essentials.
- LOVE DOES – A nonprofit that provides aid to communities in crisis, including wildfire relief efforts.
- Schools, Homeless Shelters & Religious Organizations – Helping children and families facing financial hardship or crisis.
Thanks to these partnerships, over 80,000 children have received a school backpack as of 2021, and we’re committed to expanding our efforts even further.
Responding to Urgent Needs: VESSEL’s Support for Wildfire Relief
Most recently, we partnered with LOVE DOES to support those affected by the historic wildfires in Los Angeles. As families lost homes and communities faced devastation, we stepped in to provide relief by donating 1,000 backpacks to help children and families in need. These backpacks not only serve as a practical necessity but also as a small symbol of hope for those working to rebuild their lives.
At VESSEL, we believe in using our resources to respond quickly to crises, ensuring that those impacted by natural disasters, displacement, or poverty have access to essential supplies.
Why School Backpacks Matter
Why do we donate backpacks instead of making cash contributions? The answer is simple: necessity and impact. Many charitable donations ultimately go toward purchasing essential items like food, clothing, and school supplies. By directly manufacturing and distributing backpacks, we eliminate logistical hurdles and deliver tangible resources faster and more efficiently.
Beyond logistics, a backpack is a symbol of hope and opportunity.
- For students, it’s a practical tool that helps them carry school supplies and stay organized.
- For children in foster care or shelters, it provides a secure place to store their personal belongings.
- For pediatric patients, it can hold comfort items and care packages that brighten their hospital stay.
- For disaster relief efforts, it serves as a way to provide essential items to families in transition.
Each backpack serves as a small but powerful reminder that someone cares.
How You Can Track Your Impact
Every VESSEL bag plays a role in this mission. Inside each travel bag, golf bag, tennis bag, or backpack, you’ll find a metal plate engraved with a serial number—this number represents the school backpack your purchase has donated. It’s a personal connection to the difference you’ve made in a child’s life.
A Message from Our Founder
VESSEL’s mission is deeply rooted in faith and purpose. Founder Ron Shaw shares the inspiration behind our name and commitment to giving:
“Faith is very important to me. Spiritually speaking, I am just a vessel. And a vessel carries something. It aligns with my life philosophy. We believe that everybody’s a vessel because we carry something within. Like when you walk into a room, some people walk in with joy, love, and energy. If you look at our logo, the bottom V represents a vessel because everybody’s a vessel. The top V represents the blessings that flow into your life, and need to flow out. So life is not about you. It’s about you being a blessing to other people.”
At VESSEL, we believe that business should be a force for good. Through Buy a Bag, Give a Bag, we’re grateful to be part of something bigger than ourselves. And with every purchase, our customers become part of this movement, too.
Join Us in Making a Difference
When you choose VESSEL, you’re not just investing in premium craftsmanship and design—you’re helping change lives. Join us in making education more accessible and empowering children to build a brighter future.
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