What is Bag of Joy?
A Youth-Led Connector for Joyful Giving
Bag of Joy connects trusted nonprofits, students, parents, and companies to make giving back transparent, simple, and joyful.
Transparent, because people who give back want to know exactly where their money is going and want to give to organizations that are credible, accountable, and truly making an impact. We carefully review and partner only with nonprofits we trust.
Simple, because people want to make a difference — and they want the process to be easy. Bag of Joy leverages technology to make giving effortless and impactful.
Joyful, because it’s built on connection, honesty, and the belief that joy grows when we share it.
Spreading Joy in Action
Every small act of giving adds up to something
bigger — and brighter.
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Items Donated
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Hot Meals Served
When we give joy, we feel it too — that’s the power of shared joy. Bag of Joy encourages people to share their stories of giving and inspire others to spread joy in their own way.
The Story Behind Bag of Joy
From One Bag to Shared Joy
Hi, I’m Maahi Prakash, a junior in high school — welcome to Bag of Joy!
Back in fifth grade, I wanted to make a difference but didn’t know where to start. I was too young to start a nonprofit, so I began small — raising money for Friends of Foster Kids through fun, creative fundraisers like babysitting, recycling bottles, and selling crafts.
In 2022, I connected with Project Okurase in Ghana, which helps students access education and technology. That experience showed me how one small act of giving can spread across communities — and even continents.
Here’s a look at the fundraising campaigns I’ve done since fifth grade:
Each year, new fundraising ideas brought a new way to give joy.
2019
Started my first fundraiser to fulfill holiday wishlists for kids in foster care.
2020
Babysat during COVID and donated what I earned to support kids in foster care.
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2021
Launched a recycling drive to fund foster kids’ wishlists and care for the planet.
2022
Continued my community recycling fundraiser to raise money for foster kids’ wishlists.
2023
Got my first job and used part of what I earned to give back through Friends of Foster Kids.
2024
Sold handmade crafts to raise money for Friends of Foster Kids and students in Ghana.
2025 (Early)
Sold African crafts to support foster kids and bring education access to students in Ghana.
2025 (Mid)
Started growing Bag of Joy into a platform connecting people and trusted nonprofits to spread joy.
Vision
Connecting students, families, and companies with trusted nonprofits to make giving transparent and joyful.
Why It’s Called Bag of Joy
Because every child carries a bag — and every bag can carry joy.
The name Bag of Joy started with one simple act: filling a bag with gifts for a child in foster care.
Over time, it’s come to mean so much more.
No matter where a child lives — in Michigan, Ghana, or anywhere in the world — every child carries a bag. A backpack, a school bag, or even a simple tote filled with essentials, dreams, and hopes.
That bag became our symbol — a reminder that joy isn’t just something we give; it’s something we carry and share.
Why Joy Matters
Joy Grows When It’s Share
Joy is more than just a feeling — it’s something that grows when we share it.
Every time we give, we feel joy too — and it’s not just in our heads. Science shows that acts of kindness release “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin — the same ones that make us feel happy and calm.
That’s what Bag of Joy is all about: showing that joy doesn’t run out when we share it — it multiplies.
Why “Give” with Bag of Joy
Because Every Act of Giving Spreads Shared Joy
Giving through Bag of Joy isn’t just about giving — it’s about connection.
You’re supporting trusted nonprofit partners and helping make a child’s dream come true.
Every time you give, it’s personal, transparent, and meaningful.
And when you give joy, you feel that same joy right back.
What Makes Us Different
Giving that comes full circle.
Help a real kid’s dream come true through a trusted nonprofit partner.
Give knowing exactly where your support is going.
Feel the two-way joy that comes from giving and receiving.
Together, we’re creating a community that shares joy wherever it goes.
Trusted Nonprofit Partners
Together, we make every act of giving joyful and impactful.
