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Newly-Launched Schoolbags for Kids Sells Designer Backpacks With a Purpose

It started with a four-month trip around the world. Co-founder Luis Garcia had spent more than twenty years as creative director and packaging designer, working for some of the world's most successful global beauty and fragrance companies.

But "something was missing," said Garcia. "I had recently hit my 40s and wanted to do something more meaningful." That something came after spending time volunteering in schools and orphanages in the world's poorest countries. "It's the kids that really get you," said Garcia. "Their hope, optimism." Schools were being built, teachers were in place, but supplies were difficult to come by for the orphanages and families who struggle to meet their basic everyday needs. He saw this need across each country he visited.

When he returned home, Garcia and his long-time business partner and entrepreneur Kalon Gutierrez, combined their years of experience in the branding and design world - at companies like L'Oreal/Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Bobbi Brown and Sephora - and agreed to build the Schoolbags for Kids company.

"The impact of what we're building hit me during a schoolbag drop in Belize," said Gutierrez. "A simple pencil to these kids holds so much meaning. Without these supplies, education is very difficult to come by."

This year's back-to-school launch features The Signature Collection, which comes in six unique color combinations. With its unique horizontal design this backpack is perfect for a laptop or tablet computer while keeping supplies within easy reach. Five exterior pockets (including a lunch money pocket and water bottle holder) plus an ID holder (print your child's ID online) help your little one stay organized. Made of durable, water-resistant 600-denier material, this schoolbag is made to last and is cool-looking, too!

The donated bag filled with school supplies is also designed with children in mind, and yellow serves as the international color of caution, as many children walk miles to school, along busy roads and highways. The bag is also made with 600-denier material. These schoolbags and supplies have already been donated to children in India, Thailand and Belize with many more locations and countries to come.

With new collections, line extensions and other products in development, Schoolbags for Kids keeps their One Here. One There. mission at its forefront. The vision is simple, to provide kids around the world with the tools they need to empower themselves through education.

QUOTES:

Paul Wilkes, Executive Director at Homes of Hope, a non-profit organization that builds orphanages for young girls throughout southern India.

"For the orphan girls at Homes of Hope India, Schoolbags for Kids not only provide an attractive backpack, but something even more important, Our girls know: Somebody, somewhere cares about ME."

Luis Garcia, Co-Founder, Schoolbags for Kids

"Social consciousness has become such an important part of today's society. To tap into this and at the same time do what I'm passionate about fulfills what was missing in my professional career."

Kalon Gutierrez, Co-Founder, Schoolbags for Kids

"Experience has taught me that education is the promise of opportunity. I'm proud of the company we're building and the social mission that is our foundation."

For more information about Schoolbags for Kids, see below:
www.schoolbagsforkids.com
www.facebook.com/schoolbagsforkids
http://twitter.com/#!/schoolbags4kids
http://schoolbagsforkids.com/blog/
HuffingtonPost Impact Blog

Schoolbags for Kids
Miles Daniels, 917-913-1617
miles@schoolbagsforkids.com
Maria Gutierrez, 415-729-5055
maria@schoolbagsforkids.com