Boston Whaler delivers "Boatload of Backpacks" to local schools for 16th consecutive year

Boston Whaler delivers `Boatload of Backpacks` to local schools for 16th consecutive year © Boston Whaler

Continuing a tradition that began 16 years ago, employees at Boston Whaler recently delivered a "Boatload of Backpacks" filled with school supplies and snacks to local elementary schools, helping students and teachers prepare for the start of the 2026 school year.

This year's effort brought together employee donations and support from the Boston Whaler Activities Committee to provide essential classroom supplies for four local schools. True to the program's name, the donations were delivered aboard a Boston Whaler 230 Outrage.

Schools receiving supplies included:

• Coronado Beach Elementary
• Edgewater Elementary
• Indian River Elementary
• Burns Science & Tech

"For 16 years, our employees have come together to support students, teachers and families in the communities where we live and work," said Brad Zoelle, President of Boston Whaler. "Education plays such an important role in shaping future generations, and we're proud to continue this tradition of giving back and helping local classrooms start the school year strong."

The annual program reflects Boston Whaler's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and creating meaningful opportunities for employees to make a difference. Volunteers participating in this year's deliveries included Kim Shaller, Tommy Rhodes, Paige Robbins, John Dodge, William Longacre and Jennifer Lanning.

The Boatload of Backpacks initiative has become a longstanding Boston Whaler tradition, providing thousands of students with supplies over its 16-year history while strengthening connections between employees and the communities they serve. The 2026 effort focused support on four local schools, supplying students and teachers with the materials needed to begin the academic year successfully.