This month, Hideaway Legends received a special letter of gratitude from Veterans First CEO/Founder and CEO, Joan Sisco. Veterans First is an incredible organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, and we are honored to play a part in their mission.

Through our donations, Veterans First was able to provide children of veterans with the supplies they need to start the school year with confidence. This year, 26 backpacks were given out to children from veteran families who are struggling financially. Our contributions, combined with the support of other partners such as the Military Officers Association of America and Youth 4 Troops, ensured that each backpack was filled with grade-appropriate school supplies—helping kids walk into their classrooms prepared and proud.

Joan shared with us how our donations made a very personal impact on one child in particular:

“In addition, you provided Luke, who is 7 and in the 2nd grade, all the art supplies he needs for art class and to do his art at home. His teacher told Gramma and Grampa, who are raising him, that he had exceptional art talent for his age. We know that you would have wanted to give him every opportunity to express his artistic talent in buying the art supplies he needed. We took a picture of Luke with his school backpack and all the art supplies spread out in front of him just for you all. We had an extra backpack for him that he was happy and excited to put his art supplies in.”

Luke’s grandparents, who are raising him, were deeply touched by this support, as was Luke himself. His grandmother even sent a thank-you note to the Legends. Joan explained how grateful they were that Luke could now pursue his creative passion:

“Luke is very Patriotic as you can see, his grampa is an Army veteran and has taught him how those who have and continue to serve our Nation provides its citizens the freedom we all share today.”

The Backpack Program not only eases the financial burden for families of veterans but also gives their children the opportunity to begin the school year with pride and joy. For Luke, that support means a chance to grow as an artist while honoring his family’s service and sacrifice.

We are humbled to be part of such a meaningful initiative and thankful to Joan Sisco and Veterans First for letting us know the difference our contributions have made.

As part of this update, we have attached Joan’s full letter of thanks  along with pictures from the Backpack Program event, including some of the families and children whose lives were touched by your generosity. These moments remind us why our mission matters—because behind every backpack is a child, a family, and a story worth honoring.

Letter of Thanks: