Jamie Boone Project honors son's memory with mental health bags for students

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A central Illinois couple is honoring their son's memory by helping others navigate mental health struggles, one bag at a time.

The Jamie Boone Project, co-founded by Jamie's parents Anita and Johnny, was created in response to a heartbreaking loss. Jamie Boone graduated from the University of Illinois on May 14, 2023. Just two weeks later, on May 30, he died by suicide.

Out of their grief came action. The Boones created “Jamie Bags,” also known "Just A Mental Inventory Everyday." Each one is filled with tools designed to support people in crisis. Items such as as journals, pens, stress balls, fidget toys, and contact information for crisis hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line (741741).

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Last week the Boones and volunteers filled the bags for high school and eighth-grade graduates

"I hope the person that opens it, knows that it was put together by people who cared," said Johnny.

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Beyond the bags, the Jamie Boone Project runs a program called “SAGE Words” — Student Affirmations of Grace and Encouragement. Each student in a graduating class writes a kind message about every classmate. The Boones compile the messages into a personalized document for each student.

The project’s logo — a frog — was inspired by Jamie’s personal collection. It started with porcelain frogs from his grandmother and grew with gifts from friends.

To support the project, click here.