Who we are
Packing With Purpose is a student-led nonprofit based in Massachusetts, working to provide essential hygiene products to underfunded homeless shelters. What started as a small idea between friends grew into a mission to restore dignity through access to care.
We reach out directly to shelters to understand their needs, raise funds in our community, and deliver customized hygiene kits—one bag, one person, one act of kindness at a time.
We believe small essentials can make a big impact—and that everyone deserves to feel clean, safe, and seen.
Our team
Zulal Islamoglu, Co-Founder
Zulal (Zizi) is a high school junior with a strong commitment to both academics and service. She volunteers regularly at a local nursing home, where she’s developed a deep appreciation for compassion and connection. With aspirations of becoming a dentist, Zizi is passionate about health, dignity, and giving back to her community. She currently works as a dental assistant at Worcester Pediatrics, gaining firsthand experience in patient care and pediatric dentistry. In addition to her professional and volunteer commitments, Zizi is actively involved in a variety of school and community activities, balancing leadership, academics, and service. Her drive to support those in need is what fuels her work with Packing With Purpose.
Mariam Makarova, Co-Founder
Mariam is a driven and academically accomplished high school sophomore with a deep commitment to community service. She volunteers at local nursing homes and childcare centers, and creates uplifting cards for hospitalized children. Passionate about pursuing a career in pediatrics, Mariam is engaged in programs with Harvard Medical School, academic courses at Johns Hopkins University, and internships through Beth Israel Lahey Health. As the leader of a medically-focused club at her school, she brings both professionalism and heart to everything she does. Through Packing With Purpose, Mariam is dedicated to supporting wellness and dignity in her community—one Care-Kit at a time.