Nearly 11,000 school-age children live with their families in New York City homeless shelters. Most of these children will go back to school in September without basic supplies, unless we help.

Operation Backpack engages the entire Greater New York community in its effort to ensure that every child who is homeless returns to school with all the supplies they need. This year, thanks to the 93 companies that held backpack and school supply drives, and the hundreds of individuals who donated, Operation Backpack distributed nearly 7,000 full backpacks and another 695 unfilled bags to homeless services providers throughout the five boroughs.

We are already planning for Operation Backpack 2009. If you are interested in participating, either as a sponsor or by holding a corporate drive, please call Rachel Weinstein at (212) 496-4305.

For Operation Backpack drives in other cities, visit  OperationBackpackUSA.org.