Charlotte Woman Launches Nonprofit Helping Kids Recover After Natural Disasters

Charlotte Woman’s Nonprofit Brings Comfort to Kids After Disasters

In the aftermath of natural disasters, the focus is often on rebuilding homes and restoring infrastructure. But for many children, the emotional impact of losing their belongings, toys, and sense of normalcy can be just as devastating.

That’s where one Charlotte woman is making a difference.

A Mission Born After Hurricane Helene

After Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage across western North Carolina in September 2024, Charlotte resident Faith Stearns felt compelled to help. Like many people, she saw the heartbreaking images of communities destroyed by the storm.

But one thought kept returning to her mind: the children.

Faith, an occupational therapist who has always been passionate about helping kids, began thinking about what would make the biggest difference for children who had suddenly lost everything.

Rather than simply donating toys in bulk, she had a more thoughtful idea.

Creating “Back to Play”

Faith launched a nonprofit called Back to Play, designed to provide backpacks filled with carefully selected comfort and play items for children affected by disasters.

Each backpack is organized by age and gender so volunteers can quickly distribute them to children in emergency situations.

The goal is simple: give kids something that belongs to them immediately — something they can carry and keep close during a difficult time.

What’s Inside the Backpacks

• Stuffed animals
• Crayola crayons and art supplies
• Play-Doh
• Books and fidget toys
• Reusable water bottles
• Blankets
• Flashlights

These items may seem small, but they can make a big emotional impact for a child who has lost their home and belongings.

A Community Effort That Took Off Quickly

Faith shared her idea on Instagram in early October 2024, and the response was overwhelming.

Packages began arriving daily from people who wanted to help.

Within just a few days, stacks of Amazon deliveries filled the space where the backpacks were being assembled.

With support from friends, family, and strangers who believed in the mission, Back to Play officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in just five days.

Helping Kids Beyond North Carolina

While the organization started in response to Hurricane Helene, its impact has quickly expanded.

Back to Play has already sent backpacks to:

• Communities in western North Carolina affected by the hurricane
• Children in Jamaica following a devastating storm
• Families impacted by recent wildfires in Los Angeles

Each shipment helps bring a sense of comfort and normalcy to children facing incredibly difficult situations.

The Moments That Make It Worth It

Faith doesn’t always get to see the children receiving the backpacks in person, but sometimes she gets a glimpse of the impact.

One video sent to her from Old Fort Elementary School in McDowell County showed students singing thank-you songs while holding signs expressing their gratitude.

When asked what their favorite items were, many children didn’t mention toys at all.

Instead, they chose the simple essentials — blankets, water bottles, and clothing.

Those moments remind Faith why the work matters.

How the Community Can Help

Faith hopes to expand the nonprofit’s reach even further.

Her long-term vision is to have backpacks prepared and ready at all times, allowing them to respond immediately when disasters strike anywhere in the world.

Community members can help by volunteering, donating supplies, or purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon wish list.

To learn more or get involved, visit: back-to-play.org

Even in the midst of tragedy, efforts like Back to Play show how compassion and community can help children regain a sense of comfort — and get back to simply being kids.

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