Bring Hope, One Backpack at a Time **
Bring Hope, One Backpack at a Time **
Mision Mochila
Born from a dream and built with love, Misión Mochila is our way of wrapping children in hope—one backpack, one smile, and one act of love at a time.
About Mision Mochila
Misión Mochila is a faith-driven, family-led nonprofit organization on a mission to bring joy, dignity, and opportunity to underprivileged children in El Salvador.
Founded by Rosa “Rosie” Romero, the heart behind Misión Mochila, the organization began with a simple but powerful dream—to give back to the country her family calls home. Raised in Houston, Texas by Salvadorian parents, Rosie grew up witnessing the struggles of many children during her visits to El Salvador. Inspired by the generosity of her parents and aunt, who always packed suitcases full of gifts for those in need, she knew she wanted to do more.
In 2024 together with her husband, Roberto Romero, who was also born in El Salvador, they turned that dream into action.
MochiLove
What started as a small gesture of love is now a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, growing each year and reaching more children. Through our annual Backpack Drive, school adoption program, and joyful holiday celebration events, Misión Mochila provides backpacks filled with:
Clothing
School supplies
Hygiene products
Toys
A handwritten Christmas letter
But more than just items, we deliver hope, love, and the reminder that every child matters.
At Misión Mochila, we believe in the power of community, the strength of compassion, and the joy that comes from giving. With your help, we can keep growing this mission—backpack by backpack, child by child.
This is just the beginning—and we’re so glad you’re part of it.
What We Do
-
Our annual Backpack Drive is the heart of Misión Mochila. Every year, we collect and deliver backpacks filled with essentials to children in need across El Salvador. Each backpack includes:
A full outfit
School supplies (notebooks, pencils, erasers, and more)
Personal hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
A toy to bring joy
A handwritten Christmas letter from a child or volunteer
On average, it costs $35 to $40 to prepare one fully stocked backpack. Every donation, whether it’s an item, a dollar, or a kind word helps us change a life.
-
Through our School Adoption Program, Misión Mochila partners directly with under-resourced schools in El Salvador. Each year, we “adopt” selected schools and provide:
Backpacks for all students
Supplies and encouragement for teachers
Joy-filled events that make children feel seen and celebrated
We work closely with school leaders to ensure we’re meeting the real needs of their students. This growing initiative allows us to build long-term relationships and create lasting change school by school.
-
Our biggest celebration happens every December, when we host a joyful, community-wide event in El Salvador. It’s more than just handing out backpacks, it’s a party filled with:
Music and entertainment
A clown show for the kids
Piñatas bursting with candy and fun
Face painting to bring smiles and creativity to life
A warm meal for every child and parents
Treats and sweets
Christmas letters of love from volunteers
We want each child to leave not just with a backpack, but with a heart full of joy and the beautiful reminder that they are deeply loved.
-
At Misión Mochila, we believe teachers and families are heroes too. That’s why we extend our support by:
Providing special gifts for teachers, including school supplies and small care packages
Preparing food baskets for families in extreme need
Encouraging community involvement and spreading love beyond the classroom
This part of our mission is about honoring the adults who help children grow. Because when we support a child’s circle, we multiply the impact.
