SILVER SPRING, MD (August 7, 2024) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) donated 6,200 backpacks to help Pathfinders set a new Guinness World Record for the most people stuffing backpacks with school supplies simultaneously.

The event took place Wednesday, August 7, at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, which runs from August 5 to 11. Over two hundred and fifty youngsters stuffed dozens of backpacks with pencils, markers, pens, notepads, and other essential school supplies in less than five minutes to set the Guinness Record.

“We wanted to help the community, involve the Pathfinders, and show them that Adventist Education engages in many ways.  Our goal is to touch the lives of as many students as possible, so providing much-needed school supplies was a natural fit,”  explains event organizer Nicole Mattson, associate superintendent of education at the Lake Union Conference. “This will be a fun blessing to all those involved, and it would not have been possible without the backpacks donated by ADRA, the support of the North American Division, Adventist Unions, and other private entities.”

The backpack record-breaking project organized by Adventist Education will help disadvantaged school children. Pathfinders and non-profit groups will distribute the backpacks in the Gillette school district, surrounding United States areas, territories like Guam-Micronesia, and other parts of the world where children lack educational resources.

“ADRA is honored to partner with the North American Division’s Adventist Education on this unique backpack event to benefit children from vulnerable communities. Investing in education is an investment in humanity’s future. ADRA believes that every child, regardless of circumstances, is entitled to a high-quality education and access to vital school materials for academic success.  ADRA hopes this project will inspire pathfinders worldwide to ignite their passion for serving those in need,”  Sonya Funna Evelyn, Vice President for Sustainable Development.

The backpack activity aims to raise awareness about the ongoing need for educational resources in economically disadvantaged areas, including those in the United States, where an estimated 15 million children living in extreme poverty cannot afford classroom supplies for the school year, according to national education surveys.

ADRA’s enduring commitment to developing resilient communities and transforming lives through education-focused programs dates back over 40 years.  ADRA serves over 1.6 million children globally through approximately 160 projects that assist schools and enhance educational buildings, ensuring that students have access to technology, tutoring, nutritious meals, clean water, and adequate washing and bathroom facilities.