Honoring the life of Emma Neylan (Nazareth Academy '08) by supporting the students, teachers, and families of Nazareth Elementary in Rochester, NY through kindness, generosity, and community.
Help Fill Backpacks with Hope
Each August, Emma's Light celebrates Emma's birthday by collecting backpacks and school supplies for the students of Nazareth Elementary. Every donation helps ensure children begin the new school year with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
School Supply Drive Kickoff
Celebrate Emma's 36th Birthday
Saturday, August 15 - 4:00 p.m.
Carroll's Bar & Restaurant
1768 E. Main Street
Rochester, NY 14609
Carroll's Donation Collection: August 15–22
Three Ways We Support Nazareth
Back-to-School Drive
Every August, Emma's Light collects backpacks and essential school supplies to help Nazareth Elementary students begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Every donation helps brighten a child's first day of school.
Shop the Wish List
Throughout the school year, you can purchase classroom supplies, student support items, and special requests directly from Nazareth Elementary's Amazon Wish List. It's an easy way to provide exactly what teachers and students need most.
Year-Round Giving
Financial donations to Nazareth Elementary help fund scholarships, enrichment opportunities, and meaningful experiences for students and teachers. Gifts of any amount make a lasting impact all year long.
Emma's Story
A Legacy of Kindness
Emma's Light was created in loving memory of Emma Neylan, NA '08—a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit touched so many lives.
Emma was known for her vibrant smile, generous heart, and unwavering willingness to help others. Whether she was spending time with family, caring for children, supporting friends, or simply bringing people together, she had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, loved, and valued.
After Emma's passing, one word kept coming up in conversations with those who knew her:
Light.
It perfectly captured who Emma was.
Today, through the love of her family, friends, and supporters, Emma's Light continues to brighten the lives of students, teachers, and families at Nazareth Elementary—ensuring that Emma's kindness continues to inspire new generations.
Our Mission
Continuing Emma's Light
Emma believed in kindness.
She believed in caring for others.
She found joy in life's simple moments and loved helping children learn, grow, and succeed.
Emma's Light exists to carry that spirit forward by supporting the Nazareth Elementary community through meaningful acts of generosity that create brighter days and stronger futures.
Every backpack donated.
Every smile shared.
Every gift is another way Emma's light continues to shine.
Get in touch!
Email:
arist@nazarethschools.org
Nazareth Elementary School
311 Flower City Park
Rochester, NY 14615
(585) 458-3213
© 2026 Emma's Light. All Rights Reserved.