Thousands of Ohio children need your help
Operation Backpack gives kids the tools to change their lives.
Picture walking through the school doors for your first day with no new backpack, no supplies, no back-to-school shopping. This is a heartbreaking reality for thousands of homeless children across the state. These kids face immense stigmatization every day at school. It’s no wonder less than 25 percent of homeless children ever graduate from high school.
Operation Backpack has been helping kids succeed for the past seven years by donating backpacks and school supplies to local children in need. Being prepared with new backpacks and supplies boosts their self-esteem by helping them feel like normal kids.
Operation Backpack also provides support services to the children that the Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio programs serve. Our Youth Education Center and Youth Education Summer Program give at-risk children a safe and nurturing environment to receive academic help while supporting their creativity and investing in their social growth and development.
How you can give to Operation Backpack in your area.
There are Operation Backpack drop offs in Central Ohio, Northeast Ohio and Greater Cincinnati. Making a difference is quick and easy. Here’s how.
- Check out the backpack supply list and fill it up! Then find your nearest drop location.
- Organize a drive. Arrange a workplace, church or neighborhood backpack and school supplies drive. Offer your local business as a drop site by emailing OperationBackpack@voago.org. Encourage your friends, colleagues and neighbors to join the effort. Print this information sheet to share with others or post this flyer to get the word out.
- Make a donation instead. If you don’t have time to shop for backpacks or organize a drive in your area, you can donate to Operation Backpack now. Please contact OperationBackpack@voago.org with any questions.
The supply list is short, but the influence is tremendous. Help local children today and make an impact for a lifetime.