What is Operation Backpack®?
Operation Backpack® is Volunteers of America’s initiative to fill the gap for children and families in need. Across the country, our teams collect and distribute backpacks and other essential school supplies like laptops, classroom supplies, and more to low-income families.
Why is Operation Backpack® so important?
One in five school-aged children in the U.S. live below the federally defined poverty line, and quality education plays a crucial role in breaking this cycle of poverty. By equipping kids with essential school supplies, you can help set that child up for long-term success. Access to basic supplies leads to higher rates of homework completion, classroom participation, and eventually, graduation.
Operation Backpack® also takes the burden off of parents who are struggling to make ends meet. As the cost of school supplies continues to rise — especially for middle schoolers and high schoolers — many families are forced to decide between groceries and a backpack. By providing school supplies to the families who need it most, we are helping kids reach their full potential inside and outside the classroom.
How does Operation Backpack® work?
Operation Backpack® relies on the support of local communities. In each state that offers Operation Backpack®, our regional teams work with community partners, volunteers, and supporters to purchase or collect backpacks as well as the specific supplies required by the local school district(s).
Who receives backpacks?
Oftentimes, the backpacks are given to one of the thousands of children currently enrolled in a VOA program or living at a VOA affordable housing property. In certain geographic areas, our team also works with the school system and fellow nonprofits to distribute supplies to other low-income families so no kid goes to school empty-handed.
Where is Operation Backpack® offered?
Operation Backpack® is currently offered in 25 states and hundreds of local communities. Each state and geographic region runs their program a little differently to best meet the needs of their community.
How can I help in my local community or state?
Operation Backpack® is only possible because of generous community supporters, like you. Our local teams rely on your monetary gifts and donations of school supplies so we can help every kid get ready for the school year. Use this dropdown to find an Operation Backpack® in your area and see how you can get involved in your own community.
There is no Operation Backpack® near me. Can I still get involved?
Yes! You can help kids in your community thrive by donating to Volunteers of America. Just $50 can provide a filled backpack to help a kid in need succeed. You can also spread the word about Operation Backpack® and the way it’s making a difference for thousands of young learners by talking about the program with your friends, family, and coworkers. Follow us on social media for the latest Operation Backpack® updates.
Where did Operation Backpack® begin?
Operation Backpack® began in New York City in 2003, more than 20 years ago, to provide school supplies to kids in homeless shelters in the city. Since then, Volunteers of America has expanded the program into hundreds of communities across 20+ states — and we’re just getting started!
What makes Operation Backpack® different from other school supply drives?
Every school supply drive is important, but the size and scope of Operation Backpack® is unparalleled. Last year, Volunteers of America distributed more than 45,000 backpacks, and this year we’re on track to provide even more. VOA team members have long-standing relationships with local school districts, fellow nonprofits, and local government officials, which make it easier to get supplies into the hands of kids who need them most.
When a student does not have the supplies they need on day one, they feel singled out. We work diligently to make sure our backpacks are high quality and delivered before the first day of school.
I need school supplies for my kids. How can I sign up for a backpack?
In certain communities, Volunteers of America hosts public distribution events that anyone can sign up for and attend. To learn where those are, use our dropdown list and look for the words ‘Sign Up for A Backpack.’
