Backpacks and bonding: How one mother-son duo give back
Each summer, Julie Knopf and her son Ryan roll up their sleeves to help thousands of Boulder Valley students start school on the right foot. Through their work with Impact on Education’s Crayons to Calculators program, the mother-son duo volunteers to sort and pack new backpacks, headphones, and school supplies for families across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD).
“Volunteering is something we can do together,” says Julie. “It’s time spent doing something meaningful—not just for us, but for our whole community.”
This year, the Crayons to Calculators school supply distribution took place the week of June 23 and supported around 4,000 BVSD students facing financial hardship.
Seeing the bigger picture
Julie and Ryan volunteer through the Young Men’s Service League, a group that connects moms and their high school sons to service opportunities across Boulder County. Crayons to Calculators quickly became one of their favorite events.
Last summer, they volunteered twice — once at the start of the sorting process, and again near the end. “At first, the gym was filled with unsorted boxes,” Julie recalls. “When we came back, everything was in place. It showed Ryan how much of a difference every small task makes.”
“It makes me happy to think that I am being a good representative of what young people can do and that we actually want to be helpful in our community.”
– Ryan Knopf, Volunteer
Julie says it was also eye-opening for both of them to realize how much need exists locally. “We don’t live in the district, but that doesn’t matter. These are our neighbors. These are kids who deserve to start the year feeling excited and included.”
A small act with a big impact
According to a 2024 report by Bankrate, about a third of families surveyed said back-to-school shopping would put them in debt. When families have to choose between essentials like food or school supplies, it can affect a child’s ability to feel confident and prepared in the classroom.
“New supplies might seem like a small thing,” Julie says, “but they make a big difference. It’s about dignity and belonging. Every student deserves to walk into school feeling ready to learn.”
For the Knopfs, giving back also means modeling that mindset for others. “You don’t have to change the world on your own,” Julie says. “But when people come together — even for just a few hours — they really can make a lasting impact.”
This annual distribution is made possible by volunteers like Julie and Ryan and generous support from corporate partners like Western Disposal, Google, Swinerton, and Comcast.
“New supplies might seem like a small thing, but they make a big difference. It’s about dignity and belonging. Every student deserves to walk into school feeling ready to learn.”
– Julie Knopf, Volunteer
“Crayons to Calculators would not be possible without the time and support of our volunteers,” says Emma Lyles, Impact on Education’s donor relations and volunteer manager. “Since this program started 20 years ago, volunteers have always been a driving force to make it happen. This is truly a community effort, and we could not be more grateful for our volunteers.”
To get involved, please visit our volunteer page and sign up for updates to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
BEFORE YOU GO
Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.
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