MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Reed Marcum started a nonprofit called the J. Michael Miller Backpack Giveaway (named for his stepfather) a few years ago. The organization gives away backpacks and school supplies to students in need in Marcum’s home state of Oklahoma. So far, he has given away 33,000 backpacks, including 6,000 for the start of this school year, and over $1 million in school supplies to students in need.
Reed Marcum is a member of 4H and began the giveaway as a 4H service project. Once that year’s project was “over”, he never stopped. Marcum is now 18 years old, a high school senior and a recipient of the 4H Youth in Action Award in recognition of his efforts on behalf of students less fortunate than himself.