Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Multiple people came together in Jonesboro to support a 10-year-old girl’s mission to provide stability and opportunity for children without a permanent home.
Amara Newsom, 10, is the founder of “Backpack Full of Dreams,” a charitable initiative she dreamed up when she was just nine years old. On June 13, her vision came to life with Drive for Dreams ‘26, a high-energy car show and fundraiser aimed at helping unhoused children in the area attend summer camps and programs.
”I want the homeless to be able to be happy, and especially the kids because I want them to grow up in a happy life,” Amara said.
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The event drew participants from across four states, with some traveling from as far away as Alabama, to showcase their vehicles. In total, 42 classic cars and motorcycles showed up to the event. Accompanied by several local vendors, food trucks, and live bands, the drive transformed a typical Saturday into a major community effort.
Local churches, including Community Fellowship and Parents Church, stepped up to provide free parking space, tables, and chairs. Even the threat of stormy weather couldn’t deter participants, with motorcycle and car owners vowing to stay rain or shine until the wind finally forced a safe wrap-up.
Amara’s mother, Andrea Newsom, said the young founder was also heavily involved in the groundwork, visiting other car shows to hand out flyers and speak with owners.
”It was really cool to see musicians be like, ‘Yeah, we believe in her, her mission here, we’ll come play for free,'” Andrea said. “To see her standing with grown men, having conversations and holding her own… that as a mom, that was really cool to be able to step back and watch her really get out there and do that.”
Instead of standard judging for the vehicles, Drive for Dreams utilized a creative twist.
The show featured a “People’s Choice” category in which attendees voted for their favorite cars and motorcycles by donating canned goods, with one dedicated supporter bringing 200 items herself.
By the end of the day, that voting system collected 288 canned goods, which were delivered to The Salvation Army shelter in Jonesboro to stock its community food pantry.
Furthermore, the event successfully raised over $1,300. Andrea explained those funds will be placed into a separate nonprofit account dedicated to supporting foster youth and unhoused children. The money will be distributed as needed to cover essential expenses such as clean clothes and transportation so those children can attend summer programs and church camps.
”It made me feel proud of myself, and like I was doing a good thing,” Amara said regarding the community turnout.
While Drive for Dreams ’26 is in the rearview mirror, the work for Backpack Full of Dreams is just beginning.
Amara said she is organizing a charity pageant, Miss Dreamcatcher 2026, in Jonesboro scheduled for October 24.
The event will start at 11 a.m. and be held at 710 Southwest Drive. It will be open to all ages, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Backpack Full of Dreams account.
For those who missed the event this past weekend but are moved by Amara’s mission, there are still plenty of ways to help.
”Hands at events are always welcome,” Andrea noted.
Those looking to volunteer or donate financially via CashApp, Venmo, or cash can connect with the organization through the “Backpack Full of Dreams” Facebook page.
Additionally, Andrea encouraged community members to reach out directly to their local shelters, as there is always someone in need of support.
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