On Sunday Nov. 16 in the Ryken Engagement Center, dozens of students and volunteers formed an assembly line, stuffing helpful items into bright new backpacks. By the time the last table was cleared, 500 bags were ready to be delivered to people experiencing homelessness at Wayside Christian Mission’s Thanksgiving meal service.
Directing volunteers, checking supply lists, and carrying boxes was senior DyLon Boone, the founder of Touch of Terra, the nonprofit that organized the event. To most students, it was a service opportunity. For Boone, it was something far more personal.
He grew up knowing his mom, Terra, had a generous heart. What he didn’t realize until after her unexpected passing in January 2024 was just how quietly she cared for people in need.
“My mom always kept her projects secret from us,” Boone said. “We never really knew all that she was doing until she passed. Whether it be the work she did with Boys and Girls Haven or the backpacks, she never tried to get credit or attention for the work she did.”
She kept backpacks full of necessities in her car and handed them to people experiencing homelessness. Boone remembers seeing her give one away only once, but that moment stuck.
“I remember seeing the surprise in the man’s eyes when he received the bag,” he said. “You could tell he really appreciated it and that it wasn’t just another $5 from a car.”
More than a year after losing her, Boone felt a growing need to continue her legacy. Last summer, during a call with his Uncle Glen, he finally voiced the idea he’d been holding inside: he wanted to start a nonprofit that would honor his mom’s quiet generosity. That idea became Touch of Terra, named in her memory.
The official process of forming the nonprofit wasn’t what challenged him. The tough part was the planning.
“You would be surprised how easy it is to start a nonprofit, at least on paper,” Boone said. “I’ve always been used to fast-paced projects. The hardest part was actually slowing down to make sure everything was planned correctly.”
With guidance from his board, he spent three months preparing the organization’s first major initiative: the backpack assembly event at St. X.
To determine what should go in each bag, Boone and his team met with Nina Mosley, director at Wayside Christian Mission. She helped them organize bags that included necessities like toilet paper and socks, but also sweets and small often overlooked comforts.
“She helped us come up with ideas we would have never thought of,” he said. “I want them to feel seen, and that they’ll get through this rough patch.”
When Boone brought the idea to St. X, the school rallied around him. Mr. Crider helped secure a venue and volunteers, while Coach Gold and the powerlifting team offered manpower throughout the day. Classmate Christian Corrigan shuttled supplies with his truck, turning the event into a true community effort.
The 500 backpacks were distributed on Thanksgiving Day, and Boone is already looking ahead to a spring event, hoping to increase the total to 750. He also hopes other students will continue Touch of Terra at St. X after he graduates.
When asked what his mom would say if she could see what he’s built, Boone said: “I would hope that she would say good job, now keep going.”
