Operation Backpack

One of the most devastating consequences of living in poverty or experiencing homelessness is the impact it has on a child's education. In addition to frequent school transfers and an unsettled home life, many children return to school without the basic supplies they need. On the first day of school, they look and feel different from their classmates.

At Volunteers of America, we're working to give every child a chance to go back to school with confidence and pride. You can help through Operation Backpack®.

What is Operation Backpack?
Children who live in poverty or are homeless face many challenges and tremendous stigmatization. As a result, less than 25 percent graduate from high school. Operation Backpack helps prepare these children for school by giving them a new backpack filled with grade-specific school supplies. A new, full backpack can make the difference between a child being excited to go to school, and refusing to go at all. It also relieves parents of an expense they simply cannot afford.

With your help, Operation Backpack has been able to provide thousands of backpacks, school supplies and a variety of support services to our communities' most vulnerable children in California (Los Angeles, Bay Area and Sacramento), Chicago, New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Together, we are helping children build a bright future.

Participate in Volunteers of America's Operation Backpack and help prepare children in need for a successful school year!

Volunteers of America thanks Google Express for its generous support of Operation Backpack.