Woodlands student helps families in need with Kniff’s Knapsacks project

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Evan Kniffen is a 17-year-old senior at Grand Oaks High School who isn’t spending his final year of secondary education merely concentrating on himself and his studies. Indeed, he is working hard to bring brightness – and much-needed school supplies – to area youth in need.

Kniffen is the founder of Kniff’s Knapsacks, a Woodlands-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing essential school supplies to underprivileged children throughout the area.

The mission of the organization is to brighten the lives of underprivileged children in our community. We believe that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. That's why we are driven by a simple but powerful idea: to create positive change through the spirit of compassion and the determination of young hearts. We are a nonprofit organization made by kids for kids. Our dedicated team of young volunteers, alongside caring adults, work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. We understand firsthand the challenges that children facing adversity encounter on a daily basis, and we believe that through our collective efforts, we can ignite hope and inspire dreams.

“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, and we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most,” said Kniffen in an exclusive interview with Woodlands Online.

Kniffen was inspired to start his altruistic activity when the plight of young students who might need extra assistance in obtaining supplies hit close to home. “My brother goes to Vogel Intermediate, and we know kids who go to Ford and Houser Elementaries,” he said, referencing a few of the Title I feeder schools in Conroe ISD. Title I is a federal education program for schools with low-income students.

“I was suddenly seeing two different sides of a student’s life – one side for the fortunate, and one side for those less fortunate,” he said. “I determined right then that every kid should be able to have the supplies he or she needs.”

Kniffen started his crusade in June of last year; it got off to a slow start. “As I started to get focused on it, I contacted many local businesses that unfortunately didn’t get back to me,” he said. “But then some members of the community rallied and two manufacturing companies did help.”

The young entrepreneur was determined to get the students the complete list of school supplies that was required by CISD for the current school year. “With money that was donated and that we raised, we were able to go out and buy everything on those lists as the schools required,” he said. “Every student got the same experience.” Proudly, Kniffen, his ‘best friend and front end,’ Dane McIntire, and other volunteers delivered 40 bags’ worth of school supplies to students at Vogel.

As the months progress, Kniffen is enjoying a larger following, particularly on the organization’s Instagram account (@kniffsknapsacks). “I’m hoping that coverage like this will not only help raise awareness about our local cause, but also highlight the potential for youth-led initiatives to create meaningful change,” he said.

Donors and interested parties can visit www.kniffsknapsacks.org to learn more.

“With over $4,000 in donations, and more to come, we hope to continue assemble free bookbags for kids, including pencils, folders, binders, crayons, markers, and many other school supplies necessary for academic success in and out of the classroom,” said Kniffen.

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