Nationwide campaign highlights the need for backpacks and supplies so every kid can succeed this school year
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aug. 3, 2026) — Building on more than two decades of helping children prepare for back to school, VOA is launching the first-ever Operation Backpack® Week, a nationwide celebration recognizing the communities working together to ensure every student has the supplies they need for a successful school year.
From Aug. 2-8, 2026, VOA’s Operation Backpack® Week will shine a spotlight on backpack distribution events happening in 22 states and Puerto Rico, as upwards of 5,000 backpacks are filled with essential school supplies and distributed to children and families in need. By the start of the school year, VOA expects to have handed out 50,000 backpacks.
For many families, the cost of back-to-school shopping can be a significant financial burden, especially as the cost of goods continues to rise. Through Operation Backpack®, VOA removes that barrier by providing backpacks pre-filled with notebooks, pencils, folders and other classroom essentials. With the proper supplies, kids are more likely to complete homework, stay engaged in the classroom and graduate with their classmates.
“Operation Backpack® is about more than school supplies. Every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling confident, prepared and like they belong,” said VOA Executive Vice President of External Affairs Ericka Fusilier, “This week celebrates the volunteers, donors and community partners who make that possible and reminds families that they don’t have to face these challenges alone.”
VOA Operation Backpack® began in New York City in 2003 to provide school supplies to kids in homeless shelters in the city. Since then, VOA has expanded the program into hundreds of communities across more than 20 states. This year during Operation Backpack® Week, VOA’s affiliate offices will host backpack distribution events, volunteer packing events and opportunities to engage their community. Supporters are encouraged to follow the celebration on social media using #OperationBackpackWeek.
To learn more about VOA Operation Backpack® or get involved in the program, visit www.voa.org/operation-backpack.
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About VOA
VOA is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, we have supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, VOA helps more than 2 million people in over 450 communities. Learn more at www.voa.org.
Media Contact:
David Burch, VOA
dburch@voa.org
