With heartfelt determination, 16-year-old Isabella DiFiore launched Bella’s Backpacks in February of 2022 at the tender age of 12. Although young in years, her compassion and recognition of those in need was already strong!
“At the age of 12, I didn’t really understand child maltreatment and the effects it has on a child’s development – all I knew was this was something I couldn’t just let go. I had many friends in elementary school who came from adverse environments, whether that be low income families or abusive households. At my elementary school, there was a program, Backpack Buddies, that filled backpacks with canned food for the children to take home every Friday so they and their siblings wouldn’t go hungry over the weekend. I remembered friends who were part of this program and how much joy it brought to them to be provided food for the weekend. This inspired my program – Bella’s Backpacks – an initiative rooted in providing hope and comfort to victims of child maltreatment, one bag at a time.”
Locally, Dove House Advocacy Center in Statesville, NC was the first organization Bella’s Backpacks became involved with, and Isabella now also partners with Mitchell Community College – Safelight (Hendersonville, NC), Guardians of the Children (High Country and Mooresville Chapters), The Dragonfly House (Mocksville, NC), Safe Spot (Wilkesboro, NC), the Iredell County Crosby Scholars and the Thomasville Police Department.
Her beloved backpacks include a soft blanket, coloring book, notebook, colored pencils, crayons, hairbrush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, water bottle, snacks, stress ball, hand sanitizer, lip balm, a stuffed animal and note paper with an inspirational quote and Isabella’s favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phillipians 4:13)
“Blankets, small hand sanitizers, stress balls, small stuffed animals and nice reusable water bottles are the items I run out of most often because fewer are donated,” Isabella shares. “I also customize the bags depending on need. Last fall, I sent more than one hundred backpacks to Western NC after Hurricane Helene – which included socks, gloves and toboggans.”
For the past two years, Isabella has hosted an annual fundraiser – Bella’s Heart Ball – during the month of April which is also Child Abuse Awareness Month.
“The Heart Ball raises funds and awareness for both Bella’s Backpacks and The American Heart Association,” shares Isabella. “Each year, we aim to get more and more people to attend the Heart Ball in order to raise more money for both organizations. The event includes a DJ, performances, food, photo area and a silent auction with items donated from local businesses.”
Isabella also speaks at various civic clubs around the area and holds local fundraisers such as a recent event at Jeremiah’s Ice Cream in Statesville – the perfect chance to spread awareness and encourage more local donation drives.
The daughter of Jennifer and Steve DiFiore, Isabella is also a gifted dancer and classically trained soprano who’s been competing in pageants since age three. She’s a title holder with the Miss America Opportunity, a nonprofit scholarship and community service based organization that helps young women collect scholarship dollars, while becoming more involved in their communities. Dually enrolled at Mitchell Community College in the Career College Promise Program, as well as being a junior this year at North Iredell High School, Isabella also aspires to compete for the title of Miss America’s Teen as Miss North Carolina’s Teen.
In 2022, Bella’s Backpacks provided 225 bags, in 2023 they provided 450 bags and in 2024, they provided 620 bags. Through the end of September 2025, 437 bags have been given – and with Isabella’s passion and determination, the sky’s the limit!
“I’m so blessed and appreciate all the love and support I’ve received since starting my community service initiative. It may take one person with a vision, but it takes all of us to make a difference!” she shares.
For more information on Bella’s Backpacks – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – you can reach Isabella at 704.500.7442, email [email protected] or donate online at bellasbackpacks.com.
