Mission

Carasmark seeks to inspire hope in the lives of children and their families by meeting their practical needs.

Our Story

Carasmark was founded by Shannon Lynch and her husband, Nathan Palkovitz in 2008.

Shannon and Nathan currently reside in Landenberg, PA, with their children Isla, Tessa, Finnian and Everett. The organization was created in memory of their first child, Avelin Cara, who was lost to stillbirth in April of 2007.

Projects

Backpack Project
At the beginning of each school year, Carasmark provides as many children as possible with a backpack full of school supplies. Having the necessary supplies can help give a child the confidence needed for a successful year of learning. We target communities where there are children with a specific need for backpacks and other supplies. Since beginning this program in 2009, Carasmark has given 9,341 backpacks to students in need.

Food Project
Families who are working to make ends meet are provided with a bag of food staples as a gesture of support and encouragement. Proper nutrition is an essential part of a child’s well-being. Carasmark strives to meet that need and was able to give away 553 bags of groceries over the past two school years.

Book Project 
To help foster a love of reading in young children, Carasmark volunteers will read a book to a classroom of students and then give each child in the class a copy of that book to keep. 192 books have been given to students thus far.

Remembrance Project
Financial assistance is provided to families who have lost a child and find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to plan and pay for a funeral. This support is meant simply as an act of kindness.