Our story
In honor of Terra.
Touch of Terra began with one woman's quiet, radical kindness, and continues through the students who carry it forward.
Legacy of Terra
The heart behind the name.
Terra was more than the inspiration for our name. She was the embodiment of compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in the inherent worth of every human being. Her life was a testament to the power of small acts of kindness and their ability to create ripples of positive change.
She kept backpacks filled with essentials in her car, ready to hand to anyone she met who was going without. Though Terra is no longer with us physically, her spirit lives on in every backpack we prepare, every hand we extend in friendship, and every voice we raise for someone in need.
“She taught us that true wealth isn't measured in material possessions, but in the lives we touch and the love we share.”
The founder
DyLon Boone
Founder
After losing his mother, DyLon felt called to honor her memory through meaningful action. The idea of providing backpacks filled with essentials was born, and has since grown into a movement that puts the next generation of students at the center of service.
Our journey
From one backpack to a movement.
January 2024
Remembering Terra
DyLon lost his mother, Terra, the woman whose everyday kindness would become the heart of everything that followed.
Early 2025
An idea takes shape
Inspired by the backpacks Terra kept in her car for anyone in need, DyLon imagined a way to honor her, and to bring students into the work.
May 2025
Officially a nonprofit
Touch of Terra was registered as a nonprofit with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
July 2025
Touch of Terra begins
The work began in earnest, first partners, first plans, and the first iconic Touch of Terra Blue backpacks.
November 2025
The first events
Students ran their first packing event at Saint Xavier High School on Nov 9, then held their first distribution with Wayside Christian Mission on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27.
2026
Growing the movement
A second packing event at Saint X on April 12 and a second distribution with the St. John Center on May 9, about 1,000 backpacks given, and 50+ volunteers strong.
Our team
The people who keep it going.
DyLon Boone
Founder
Ann Lechleiter
Secretary
Johnna Cristofoli
Treasurer