Sara Marks 

Congregation B’nai Amoona

Project Backpack was the organization Sara supported for her mitzvah project. She was committed to filling 20 backpacks with comfort items that would make a difference in the lives of teens in crisis. What made this project stand out is that Sara did not just have a collection but she put herself in these teens’ shoes and thought about what could help them feel better.   

Daughter of Felicia Marks and Jason Marks of Chesterfield, Sara created a campaign, “Feel Good on the Inside to Feel Good on the Outside,” and took her efforts to social media to launch awareness and request donations. She met her goal, receiving enough items to fill the 20 backpacks with items such as books, personal hygiene products, nail polish, a bandana and a stuffed animal. Inspirational quotes were tied to each backpack to remind the kids to stay strong. Sara also donated party dresses for the young girls. 

A student at Parkway West Middle School, Sara said she felt good at achieving her goal and hopefully, making a positive difference in the lives of others.   

Project Backpack was very taken with Sara’s donation and sent her a very nice thank you letter, noting that the contents of each bag were fantastic and more than generous. The backpacks went to the Wentzville police and to the city Division of Family Services. Project Backpack said that Sara certainly made a difference for the children it serves when their world is crashing down and they are unsure of what will happen to them. Once they receive one of the backpacks, they know that someone cares. 

Mitzvot from the Heart is compiled by Editorial Assistant Elise Krug. To have your child’s mitzvah project featured, email [email protected].