Misión Mochila Donate

A 501(c)(3) serving children in El Salvador

One backpack can change a child's year.

Llenando mochilas, tocando corazones.

At the end of every year we deliver backpacks packed with school supplies, a new outfit, hygiene essentials and a toy to children in under-resourced schools across El Salvador. Then we throw them a party.

Fill a backpack Meet the family
Children in red Misión Mochila shirts cheering with volunteers and a clown at a school celebration
“Every child matters.”Lolotique celebration, December 2025
635backpacks delivered in 2024 and 2025
8schools in Ozatlán for the November 2026 mission
$40–50fills one backpack, start to finish
4–18ages of the children we serve

Our story

Born from a dream, built by a family.

Misión Mochila was founded by Rosa “Rosie” Romero. She was raised in Houston by Salvadoran parents, and on visits to El Salvador she saw how many children went without. Her parents and her aunt always packed suitcases full of gifts for families in need. Rosie wanted to do more.

In 2024, Rosie and her husband Roberto Romero, who was born in El Salvador, turned that dream into action. In 2025 Misión Mochila became a registered 501(c)(3), and Verónica Franco, born and raised in El Salvador and part of the mission from day one, joined as Vice President.

“More than items, we deliver hope, love, and the reminder that every child matters.”

Rosie Romero · Founder Roberto Romero · Co-founder Verónica Franco · Vice President

Mission

To deliver backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing, hygiene products and toys to children in El Salvador, while sharing the love and hope of God.

Vision

A world where every child feels equipped, encouraged and empowered to chase their dreams, no matter where they come from.

A smiling girl holds her new backpack in front of the rainbow Misión Mochila 2025 backdrop The Misión Mochila family team in matching red shirts beside stacks of backpacks A volunteer paints a child's face at the celebration

What's inside a mochila

Everything a child needs to start the school year proud.

Each backpack is packed by volunteers in Houston and hand-delivered in El Salvador. Every item is new, so every child gets something that is truly their own.

Hundreds of packed backpacks lined up in front of a rainbow balloon arch

Packing list

1 backpack
  • A full outfitShirt and pants, or a dress. It becomes their Christmas best.
  • School suppliesNotebook, colored pencils, crayons, pencils, ruler, sharpener, erasers, glue and scissors
  • Hygiene kitToothbrush, toothpaste, soap bars, shampoo and deodorant
  • A toyFor many kids, the only gift they'll open at Christmas
  • A handwritten letterWritten by a child or volunteer here in the U.S.
Cost to fill one backpack$40–$50

Backpacks don't include undergarments. We accept new items only.

Why we deliver at year's end

We deliver before the holidays, on purpose.

A fresh start

The school year in El Salvador begins in January. A backpack delivered before then means every child walks in on day one prepared and confident.

A Christmas outfit

The new clothes become their holiday best, something special to wear during the most meaningful time of the year.

A toy to open

Many parents in these communities can't afford Christmas gifts. Finding a toy inside the backpack is a moment of pure joy.

What we do

Four ways we show up for kids.

Rows of colorful backpacks ready for delivery

Annual Backpack Drive

The heart of Misión Mochila. Each year we collect, pack and deliver fully stocked backpacks to children in need across El Salvador.

A group of schoolchildren cheering outdoors with Rosie

School Adoption Program

We partner with under-resourced schools and work with their leaders to meet real needs.

  • Backpacks for every student
  • Supplies and encouragement for teachers
  • Events that make kids feel seen and celebrated
A clown entertains children and families under a festive canopy

Holiday Celebrations

Distribution day is a party: music, a clown show, piñatas, face painting, treats, and a warm meal for every child and parent.

Parents and grandparents seated at the celebration

Teacher Gifts & Family Support

Teachers receive supplies and care packages, and families in extreme need receive food baskets. Supporting a child's whole circle multiplies the impact.

Misión in action

Every year, more schools and more kids.

2026November · Ozatlán

8 schools and 400+ children in Ozatlán, Usulután. Our biggest mission yet. Meet the communities we'll be visiting:

Children of La Violeta
La VioletaComunidad
Children of La Monica
La MonicaComunidad
Children of El Juguete
El JugueteComunidad
Children of La Brena
La BrenaComunidad
Children of Los Alemanes
Los AlemanesComunidad
Children of La Ermita
La ErmitaComunidad
Children of La Quesera
La QueseraComunidad
20253 schools adopted

391 children received a backpack.

Party in LolotiqueDec 15 · Two schools, one town
Cantón El Amate, San MiguelDec 16
20243 schools adopted

244 children received a backpack in our first year.

Party in LolotiqueDec 3 · Two schools, one town
El DelirioDec 5 · A day full of purpose
Two girls in red shirts with their new pink backpacks Volunteers in red shirts at the school A boy shows off his new backpack Kids and families gathered around a volunteer in a Santa hat The full volunteer team lined up in front of the backpacks

Get involved

Help us reach the finish line.

Give money, ship supplies straight to us from a registry, or roll up your sleeves. Every bit of it ends up in a child's hands.

Sponsor a backpack

One fully stocked backpack costs $40 to $50. Give once, or set up a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly gift.

$10a toothbrush kit $20school supplies $45one full backpack $90two kids
Donate securely

Misión Mochila is a registered 501(c)(3). Your gift may be tax-deductible, and we'll send a receipt on request.

Amazon Wish ListNotebooks, crayons, soap, shoes. Ships to us.
Target RegistrySchool supplies and hygiene kits
Walmart RegistrySupplies, hygiene products and essentials
Dropping off items?

We gladly take new clothing for ages 4–18, small toys, school supplies and hygiene products. Contact us for Houston drop-off or shipping details.

Volunteer

Whether you're in Houston, El Salvador or somewhere in between, there's a place for you.

  • Pack backpacks
  • Organize drives
  • Help at events
  • Reach out to sponsors

Fundraise

Host a toy drive, turn your birthday into a fundraiser, run a bake sale, or share our story. We'll give you the graphics and support to make it work.

Write a letter

Kids can get involved too. A Christmas letter or drawing tucked into a backpack is a sweet way to share kindness across borders.

Share & pray

Tell others about Misión Mochila, and join us in prayer for safe travels, open hearts and a successful mission to Ozatlán.

Sponsors & supporters

The people and businesses who make it possible.

Thanks to their kindness, children in El Salvador receive backpacks filled with hope, joy and the tools for a brighter future.

Gracias Tía Sandra, Katarina Schalen, Kenia Martinez, Familia Franco, Brian Miller, Ashley Tucker, Le Tran, Jenny Ascencio, Sabrina, Seslee, Lely, CC, Nina Lambright, and everyone who gave in 2025.

What guides us

Our core values

Compassion

We lead with love, always putting children first.

Community

Every volunteer, donor and letter makes a difference.

Faith

Our work is guided by God's love and the desire to reflect His kindness.

Integrity

We steward every donation with care, transparency and purpose.

Joy

We bring smiles, laughter and celebration to every mission.

FAQ

Questions people ask us.

Don't see yours? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Misión Mochila is a registered 501(c)(3), so your donation may be tax-deductible. Save your receipt, and we'll provide one on request.

How much does it cost to sponsor a backpack?

Between $40 and $50 covers one fully stocked backpack.

Do I have to buy from the wish lists?

Not at all. The lists are a guide. We're happy to receive any new, age-appropriate items.

Can I donate gently used items?

We ask for new items only, so every child receives something that's just for them.

How do you choose which schools to help?

We partner with schools in vulnerable areas of El Salvador and work with local educators to identify the students most in need.

When do the backpacks get delivered?

At the end of each year, at a celebration with music, food, clowns, and gifts for the teachers too. Our 2024 and 2025 missions were in December; the 2026 mission is in November in Ozatlán.

Can I volunteer? Can my kids?

Absolutely. You can pack backpacks, help at events, write holiday letters or spread the word. Kids can write Christmas letters or draw pictures to include in the backpacks.

How can my business get involved?

We welcome corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, and workplace toy or supply drives. Email us and we'll plan it together.

Do you only help children in El Salvador?

For now, yes. Our focus is on schools in El Salvador, and we hope to expand in the future.

Contact

Let's stay connected.

Questions, drop-offs, sponsorships, or just want to say hola? We're only a message away. Follow along to see the smiles you help create.

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Emailmision.mochila@gmail.com
Phone(832) 609-7904
Based inHouston, Texas · Serving El Salvador