Sammy’s Backpacks: From Shopping Carts to School Smiles
What started as an idea is now becoming a reality — Sammy’s Backpacks are here, and we’re getting ready to assemble them for the kids!
Thanks to all the generous donations — from our barbecue fundraiser to private gifts — we were able to head to Walmart and purchase dozens of brand-new backpacks.
Shopping carts full of backpacks at Walmart — proof of your generosity in action!
Once the backpacks were home, the fun really began. Seeing them all lined up, ready to be filled with supplies, was such an exciting moment. Each one represents a child who will walk into school prepared and confident this year.
A rainbow of backpacks waiting to be packed with school supplies.
Now, the assembly process is about to start. Volunteers are coming together to fill each bag with notebooks, pencils, and the essentials every student needs.
This is only possible because of YOU — everyone who came to the car wash & barbecue, made a private donation, or shared encouragement along the way. Every smile these backpacks bring belongs to all of us. 💛
Stay tuned for the best part — handing them out to the kids who need them most. We can’t wait to share those smiles with you!
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Sammy’s Backpacks Summer 2026 Update: A Season of Growth, Partnership, and Hope
Summer 2026 has been one of the busiest and most exciting seasons in the history of Sammy’s Backpacks. From introducing our new bus to forming an important community partnership and preparing thousands of backpacks for children, we’ve been reminded once again of what can happen when a community comes together. A full 2026 Year in…
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Victim Impact Statements Shared During Sentencing Hearing
This week, we addressed the court during the sentencing hearing of Montana Lewis, who was convicted of manslaughter in the 2020 death of our son, Samuel Graham Jr. More than five years after Sammy’s death, the emotional impact on our family remains profound. During the hearing, we shared the devastating reality of living without our…
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Important Update – Victim Impact Statements Needed for Sammy Graham Jr.
Our son, Sammy Graham Jr., was murdered on November 12, 2020. After more than 5½ years in and out of court, the final sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 11–12, 2026, in Sault Ste. Marie. We are asking anyone who knew Sammy and has not yet submitted a Victim Impact Statement to please do so…
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Sammy’s Backpacks 2nd Annual BBQ & Car Wash Returns This June
There are some events that just feel like community—and this is one of them. The 2nd Annual Sammy’s Backpacks BBQ & Car Wash is happening June 19–20, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be another meaningful, family-friendly weekend in support of a truly special cause. Honoring a Legacy While Giving Back This event is held…
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More Than a Bus — A Mission in Motion
Thanks to an incredible anonymous donation, Sammy’s Backpacks introduces a new accessible bus to serve schools, families, and communities with heart, inclusion, and love. We are extremely excited and happy to share that we have just purchased a beautiful wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus for Sammy’s Backpacks. This dream has been in the works for over two…
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Sammy’s Backpacks Celebrates a Standout Hockey Season
Proud sponsors in the SPWHL U13HL, we celebrate not only wins and standings, but the teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship that shape these young athletes. We are proud sponsors of two teams in the SPWHL U13HL for the first time ever. Roy Graham Trucking had an outstanding year, finishing 1st place with a perfect record of…
