High School Senior's Decade-Long Mission Brings School Supplies to Sick Kids

Felipe Baccin's nonprofit has donated over 50,000 supplies to hospitalized children in 3 countries

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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What started as a first-grader's simple act of kindness in Brazil has grown into a nonprofit organization that has donated more than 50,000 school supplies to hospitalized children across three countries. Felipe Baccin, now a high school senior in San Diego, continues his mission to give children in critical care a sense of normalcy.

Why it matters

Baccin's story highlights the power of one person's compassion and determination to make a difference in the lives of sick children. His nonprofit, "Keep Learning," provides hospitalized kids with essential school supplies, helping to maintain a sense of routine and hope during difficult times.

The details

When Baccin was 6 years old, he started collecting school supplies and dropping them off at Ronald McDonald Houses and hospitals in his hometown of Campinas, Brazil. After moving to San Diego before his freshman year of high school, he brought the project with him and in 2024, he formalized his efforts by turning the initiative into an official nonprofit. Since then, Baccin has donated more than 50,000 supplies to kids in Brazil, the United States, and Israel.

  • Baccin started the initiative when he was 6 years old in Brazil.
  • Baccin moved to San Diego before his freshman year of high school and continued the project.
  • Baccin formalized the initiative into a nonprofit called "Keep Learning" in 2024.

The players

Felipe Baccin

A high school senior at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego who started a nonprofit called "Keep Learning" to donate school supplies to hospitalized children.

Mindy Collins

The Chief Philanthropy and External Affairs Officer at Ronald McDonald House San Diego, who praised Baccin's efforts and the impact they have on the children.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like seeing the kids that look just like me, like, lose an aspect of their life so young, it was kind of sad. I felt like I had to do something about it.”

— Felipe Baccin, High School Senior

“It just shows so much good. I love when students help students. I think there's just a, you know, a lot of connection there. When kids know that another kid is helping them, I think it's even more meaningful.”

— Mindy Collins, Chief Philanthropy and External Affairs Officer, Ronald McDonald House San Diego

What’s next

Baccin is still deciding where he'll attend college, but he's certain that "Keep Learning" will continue to grow and expand its impact on hospitalized children.

The takeaway

Baccin's story demonstrates the profound impact that one person's compassion and determination can have on the lives of others, even at a young age. His nonprofit has provided essential school supplies to thousands of sick children, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope during difficult times.