Menu
Published on: January 8, 2025
Share blog:
For the last three years, On Point’s accounting specialist Rosie Romero has been involved in bringing supplies to school children in El Salvador. This past year, she created Operation Backpack, a non-profit effort that raises money for kids at elementary schools across the country. This past year she flew to Lolotiquet and Ozatlan, El Salvador providing backpacks and her endearing smile to children at three different schools.
We sat down with Rosie to learn more about her work.
How did you first become involved in Operation Backpack and what can you tell us about how it works?
I first began Operation Backpack because I grew up watching my parents generously give to those less fortunate in El Salvador. Their example inspired me to follow in their footsteps and develop a heart for giving back. Kids are my sweet spot, and a big reason for that is my childhood experiences. Many of the friends I visited in El Salvador lived in situations where they didn’t have clothes or toys, and that deeply impacted me. My greatest joy every summer was taking my toys with me and leaving them behind for my friends.
It’s always been a dream of mine to help children and bring happiness into their lives. I initially supported other organizations, and through that experience, I gained the courage and confidence to adopt schools on my own. Over time, schools began reaching out to me directly for help. For example, just last year, my aunt—who is the principal of one of the schools—contacted me to request support. This reaffirmed my commitment to making an even bigger impact and inspired me to focus on building something sustainable to help even more children.
If someone wants to help with either time or a donation, what do you suggest?
If someone wants to help, we welcome both time and donations with open arms! For those who want to donate, contributions of school supplies, toys, clothes, hygiene products, or financial support are incredibly helpful and allow us to include more children in our mission. For those who want to give their time, there are so many ways to get involved—writing Christmas notes for the kids, sharing and spreading the word about our mission, or even taking a trip to El Salvador to volunteer with us in person.
Anyone interested can reach out to me directly or visit our Amazon wishlist to see specific items we need. Every bit of support, no matter how small, makes a huge difference, and we’re so grateful for everyone who helps us make this dream a reality
Which school supplies do the kids need most inside their backpacks?
The school supplies the kids need most inside their backpacks include essentials like backpacks, crayons, markers, rulers, scissors, sharpeners, erasers, and colored pencils. In addition to school supplies, we also include personal hygiene products such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and a bar of soap. These items not only support their education but also help promote good hygiene and self-care, which are equally important for their overall well-being.
How many kids have you given backpacks to since starting?
This is my first year leading Operation Backpack, and I’m so grateful for what we’ve been able to accomplish. This year, we adopted three schools and were blessed to provide backpacks to a total of 244 children. It’s been an incredible start, and I’m excited to continue growing this mission to reach even more kids in the future.
What are your plans for next year?
My plans and hopes for next year are to officially establish Operation Backpack as a foundation. We believe this will help us expand our reach and create a sustainable way to continue blessing children for years to come. For next year, our goal is to bless at least 250 children, building on the momentum we’ve gained and ensuring each child feels loved and supported.
What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite class in middle school and high school was Young Leaders in Action because it gave me the opportunity to do community service. It was in that class where my love for helping others grew even stronger. As for the basic subjects, math and art were my favorites. Math sparked my love for numbers, which is one of the reasons I pursued a career in accounting. Art, on the other hand, allowed me to express my creativity in a unique way.
If someone has never visited El Salvador, what is the one place they have to visit, the one dish they have to eat, and the most interesting custom they may not know about?
There are so many beautiful places to visit in El Salvador—it’s surrounded by stunning nature, so it’s hard to choose just one! Personally, I love nature, and Cerro Verde is a must-see. It’s a fantastic spot for camping or glamping, with breathtaking views of three major volcanoes up close (you can even climb one!). Being there feels like you’re floating on clouds. If you’re more into beach vibes, La Libertad is the place to go, with amazing beaches, great food and plenty of tourist attractions like Sunset Park.
When it comes to food, you absolutely have to try pupusas, the iconic Salvadoran dish. They’re so delicious and a true taste of El Salvador!
One of the most interesting customs is the week-long town parties that each community has. For example, my parents’ hometown, Ozatlán, celebrates from December 3rd to December 9th. During that time, they close off the streets for fireworks (which can go off at any time of day), street food vendors, roller coasters, and live music—whether it’s from a DJ or a live band. The music fills the air for miles, and it’s an entire week of celebration and joy.
We thank Rosie for all she does and encourage you to join us in supporting her mission in bringing school supplies to El Salvador. Visit the GoFundMe page here. Purchase supplies through the group’s Amazon wishlist here.
