Stockton University student JackEdward Schmick appeared on “Good Morning America” on April 9 to discuss his charity, Bags for Buddies. Schmick, a second-year psychology major, founded the organization to provide backpacks and duffle bags to children in foster care throughout New Jersey.
Schmick’s motivation for starting Bags for Buddies comes from his own experiences in foster care between the ages of five and ten. He recalled having to move his belongings in black trash bags during relocations, describing the experience as demoralizing. “I was blind to it when I was younger,” he said, “but I realized how demoralizing it was.” After talking with his adoptive mother, Schmick began collecting bags and has donated 100 so far.
The organization aims not only to provide practical items but also emotional support. “The bags give a little bit of happiness,” Schmick said. He added, “I love to see how it impacts others.” In addition to his charitable work, running has played an important role in helping him process past trauma. Personal trainer Guy Gordon introduced him to running as a form of therapy when traditional counseling did not help. As Schmick explained: “He taught me that I can use other avenues to channel my frustration and feelings rather than just balling them up… Running became my therapy. That’s how I could channel my energy.”
Schmick published a book titled “Your Biggest Opponent” during his first year at Stockton University, chronicling his journey through foster care and sports as well as lessons learned along the way. He emphasized that people often overlook the difficult processes behind personal growth: “People tend to overlook the process of how you got to where you are… It took a lot for me to get where I am now.”
At Stockton University, he continues both athletics—competing on cross country and track teams—and academics with plans to become a counselor for children facing similar challenges he once experienced himself. He said he wants “to make therapy easier and more efficient for other people,” recognizing that recovery from trauma is rarely straightforward.
Reflecting on overcoming adversity, Schmick offered advice: “It’s never over. If you hit rock bottom, there’s no further down… There’s always an answer or solution to a problem, and sometimes it just takes time to figure it out.” Supporters can learn more about Bags for Buddies by visiting www.bagsforbuddies.com.
