5 back to school buys that mix style with charity

• Price: $49-$69
• Available: www.schoolbagsforkids.com

Luis Garcia, a product designer for 20 years, decided he needed a break from his corporate job. In 2010, he embarked on a 13-country trip to Asia.

After volunteering at schools and orphanages in India and elsewhere during his trip, Garcia spotted a need that sparked the idea for San Francisco-based Schoolbagsforkids. "Everywhere I volunteered, people were always asking for me to bring school supplies," he said.

Garcia reached out to former coworker Kalon Gutierrez and the two founded Schoolbagforkids -- a collection of colorful and artistic backpacks for kids -- in 2011.

"We researched the U.S. market and found that 64% of kids complained of back pain because of their backpacks," said Gutierrez. Using his design background, Garcia created backpacks that feature broader straps and more pockets to distribute the weight more evenly.

Inspired by TOMS, the company also adopted a "buy one, donate one" philosophy. For every backpack bought, the company donates a specially-created bright yellow backpack filled with school supplies to kids in need.

"So far, we've donated our yellow backpacks to kids in six countries," said Gutierrez. "The reason we've made those bags bright yellow is because many kids in these countries walk miles along the road to get to school. The yellow is an international symbol of caution for motorists."

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