Give Will on Giving Tuesday
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On Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, we celebrated a powerful milestone in the relaunch of our Give Will mission — the donation of 100 handcrafted backpacks to the students of Comanche Academy, a Native-led charter school in Lawton, Oklahoma, dedicated to cultural identity, language revitalization, and learning rooted in Comanche tradition.
While our Will Leather Goods team could not be there in person, the donation was delivered by someone who embodies the spirit of Give Will: Janee’ Kassanavoid — two-time world medalist in the hammer throw and a proud member of the Comanche Nation.
This moment marked the first official donation of our 2025 Give Will relaunch, and we couldn’t imagine a more meaningful place to begin.
The Heart Behind Give Will
When we created Give Will back in 2012, we did so with one simple belief:
Every young person deserves something built to last.
Since then, we’ve donated over 30,000 backpacks to youth in public schools across the country — from Detroit to Portland. Each bag is more than an item. It’s a symbol of care, belonging, and belief in a young person’s future.
In 2025, as we relaunch Give Will, our mission remains the same — but our vision is stronger than ever.
And it all began again with Comanche Academy.
A Partnership Rooted in Story, Representation, and Purpose
This donation was inspired by our partnership with Janee’ Kassanavoid, whom we met earlier this year at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene. Her strength, character, and trailblazing story immediately resonated with our founder, Will Adler.
When Give Will was ready to relaunch, we asked Janee’ which community she wanted this first donation to support. Without hesitation, she chose:
Comanche Academy — a school that serves the next generation of her own Nation.
Janee’s connection to the school brought depth and meaning to this moment. It ensured that this gift wasn’t just about backpacks — it was about honoring heritage, uplifting young voices, and investing in a community she cares deeply about.
Giving Tuesday in Lawton: A Moment of Pride
On Giving Tuesday, Janee’ delivered the backpacks on behalf of all of us at Will Leather Goods. She spent the morning with the students, educators, and Principal Shannon Sfoye, sharing her journey — from her earliest days in Lawton to becoming the first Native American woman to medal at the World Athletics Championships.
Her message to the students was simple, powerful, and true to who she is:
Dream big. Work hard. Believe in the path your ancestors paved for you.
Seeing the students light up as she spoke — some clutching their new backpacks, others asking questions about her athletic career — made this donation more meaningful than any of us could have imagined.
A Bag to Carry Their Dreams
Every student received a handcrafted Will Leather Goods backpack featuring:
Our signature leather patch
A “My Dream Is…” card tucked inside each bag
The same craftsmanship and durability that defines every Will Leather Goods product
We believe that when a young person writes down their dream — and carries it with them — something powerful begins. It becomes a story in motion.
Not just bags. Beginnings.
A bag to carry their dreams.
Why We Give
Founder Will Adler has always believed in the potential of young people. His own journey — one rooted in entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience — inspires Give Will’s mission today.
Giving back isn’t an obligation for Will.
It’s a responsibility.
And it’s a reminder to every student we serve that someone out there is rooting for them — because Will once needed that same encouragement too.
A Final Reflection
Although we couldn’t be in Lawton ourselves, watching Janee’ walk into Comanche Academy on our behalf felt like watching the heart of Give Will come to life. Her presence, her pride, and her story made this donation not just significant — but unforgettable.
To the students of Comanche Academy:
We believe in your dreams.
We believe in your potential.
And we’re honored to be part of your journey forward.
Give Will is back. And we’re just getting started