18-year-old distributes 6000 book bags as a part of his back-to-school giveaway

For many kids, new school supplies mark an exciting start to the school year. But receiving unexpected school supplies is even more special. Reed Marcum, an 18-year-old from Oklahoma, gave away over 33,000 backpacks filled with $1.3 million worth of school supplies to families in need during his ninth annual back-to-school giveaway. These supplies were distributed to families in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, according to Good News Network.

"I want to help kids get their school year started right. We have been distributing book bags and school supplies for nine years now and each time, it is so fulfilling to know we are playing a small part in getting kids excited about their education," a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University shared. The Book Bag Giveaway, supported by Sergeant Miles Tarron and Hudson Strong Foundation, is one aspect of the Oklahoma University Sophomore's work for the McAlester community, per Morning AgClips. "I'm grateful to 4-H for the support and opportunity to make a difference in my community," Marcum added. 4H is one of the largest youth development organizations in the country to empower youth with critical life skills.

The book bag giveaway was a part of Marcum's annual service project for the 4H organization. Last year, he received the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Award for his work with the community that helped raise $3.5 million in funds and donated items for the organization, as per the outlet. The award is given to the teen who uses the knowledge gained at 4H for the community in the best way. The teen also received a $5000 scholarship and a chance to share his story at a national level and interact with prominent 4 H alumni. "Reed's commitment to his community is inspiring. He has had a huge impact here in McAlester. I am so proud to support his service projects and watch him grow," Greg Owen, a Pittsburg community educator and Marcum's mentor expressed. 

The giveaway honored members of Reed's family as well as the McAlester community. The members included Hudson Campbell, Kennia Mattioda, Mrs. Donna Curry, Mrs. Leann Yandell, Ms. Becky Weeks, Danny Kelly MPD and SGT. Miles Tarron, per News 9. In 2016, Marcum also started organizing an annual toy drive during the holidays to bring good cheer and joy to families in need. Last year's toy giveaway managed to distribute 10,000 toys to families in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas, where cars lined for a stretch longer than three miles at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.

All the initiatives were done under the 4H program, which aims to help the youth become "empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow," as per OK News. The program assists the growth of around 6 million teens across the US. It is the youth development program of the country's Cooperative Extension System and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The organization also collaborates with independent programs to help young people in more than 50 countries, as per the outlet.