Q&A with Seneca Eldredge: Leading the Charge for Gear Up for School

Gear Up for School began through a partnership with the Hooksett Area and Queen City Rotary Clubs, and was inspired by a simple question to the Manchester School District: “What do you need?” Their response—fully supplied backpacks for students—sparked an initiative that has grown tremendously over the past five years. Seneca has been involved since day one, helping steer the program through its evolution and growth.

Q: How did Gear Up for School start and how has it evolved?
A: Initially, we collaborated with a business that had been doing similar work, and together we provided over 3,000 backpacks in our first year. The following year, the business stepped back, and we took full ownership. It was a test of whether we could manage the scale—and we did. Now, we're independently providing 3,000 backpacks annually to New Hampshire students, with all distribution controlled by us to ensure they reach those who need them most.

Q: Can you share a moment that illustrates the program’s impact?
A: One unforgettable moment was at a Unity Gala where I met a woman who worked in the foster care system. When I told her I led Gear Up for School, her face lit up. She told me our backpacks are magical for children in foster care—many of whom enter homes with only the clothes on their backs. Our backpacks give them something of their own and a sense of pride and belonging. That story stays with me.

Q: What kinds of supplies are most in demand, and how do you determine what goes into each backpack?
A: High school supplies have become the most requested over the years—these backpacks are heavier and more expensive to fill. We work closely with Manchester Proud and curriculum designers to make sure each backpack has exactly what students need. For instance, even something as small as ensuring pencil sharpeners have enclosed cases is critical for both safety and classroom functionality.

Q: How do volunteers and the broader community support the initiative?
A: Our volunteers are essential. Over 90,000 school supplies need to be unpacked, sorted, and assembled into 3,000 backpacks. The setup and assembly span two days and requires about 150 volunteers. We’re lucky to work with several Rotary Clubs and Southern New Hampshire University, and we also use Granite United Way’s volunteer portal to organize everything. Donors also play a key role—just $15 can supply one backpack.

Additionally, we would like to acknowledge our most prominent Patrons for Education this year: the NH Statewide Engagement Center, Web-Kare, and Cigna via Kathy.

Q: How can people get involved?
A: There are many ways—you can join our planning committee and assist in a leadership role, volunteer at our August 1–2 assembly event, donate online, or purchase from our Amazon Wish List. This year, we’re also selling a “Pride Card” in partnership with Manchester True Collaborative, offering discounts at local businesses while supporting Gear Up for School. And for the first time, we’ll be handing out 500 backpacks directly to families at a Manchester resource fair this August.

Q: What’s next for Gear Up for School?
A: We’re aiming to go statewide. With support from local Rotary Clubs, we hope to establish Gear Up events in regions like Concord, Keene, and even into Vermont. We want to build a sustainable model where communities run their own events using the systems we’ve developed. Ultimately, it’s about creating something that helps every child start school with confidence and dignity.

This summer, Seneca is going Over the Edge—literally. He’s joined Granite United Way’s team to rappel down the Brady Sullivan Building as part of the Over the Edge fundraising event. He’s taking the plunge to raise awareness and critical funds for Gear Up for School.

Help Seneca make the leap and support local students at the same time!

Donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/edge2025/SenecaEldredge

To learn more, visit: https://www.hooksettarearotary.org/gear-up-for-school.html

Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3QPH4EYSEHWIR