The JanSport Bag Controversy That Sparked a Wave of Giving

What began as a simple family initiative by Superintendent Gamboa and his daughters—handing out school bags to children in need—has quickly snowballed into a national conversation about charity, corporate responsibility, intellectual property, and dignity.

The family distributed dozens of school bags, branded as JanSport, in an act of goodwill. But what might have remained a humble, quiet effort of giving became the center of public controversy when A&R, the retailer that holds the official JanSport franchise in Belize, publicly challenged the initiative.

A&R alleged the bags were counterfeit and argued that distributing them undermined the value of their brand. On paper, the issue was one of intellectual property and trademark protection. In reality, the narrative took on a different life once it hit social media.

Instead of siding with A&R, the public framed the controversy around children’s access to education. Outrage poured across Facebook, with many accusing A&R of insensitivity—placing corporate interest above the needs of underprivileged students.

Critics argued that whether the bags were fake or not, children receiving school supplies should have been the focal point. Some went further, accusing A&R of depriving poor children of dignity just to defend a logo. The issue quickly became moral rather than legal.

In the midst of the backlash, a Domino Effect emerged. Corporate citizen Said Perdomo stepped in and pledged $10,000 worth of school supplies to support students. This public gesture shifted the conversation yet again—demonstrating how businesses could turn criticism into an opportunity to uplift communities.

A&R, perhaps recognizing the rising tide of anger, followed by pledging matching funds. Soon, other businesses and individuals joined the cause, each contributing to the growing movement. Within days, what started as a small family project swelled into thousands of dollars worth of pledged school supplies nationwide.

Yet, beneath the celebration lies a lingering tension. Supporters of A&R’s position warn that selling or distributing counterfeit goods remains illegal. They argue that giving out knockoff bags sends a dangerous message: that it is either acceptable to break the law, or that children should unknowingly be handed products of lesser quality under the guise of brand-name durability. Some point out that as a senior police officer, Superintendent Gamboa holds an additional responsibility to uphold the law.

Still, for the broader public, the controversy underscored something more profound: the willingness of ordinary citizens and corporate leaders alike to rally behind children’s education when given the chance.