Operation Backpack

 

Thousands of children live in NYC’s homeless and domestic violence shelters. One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on a child's education. These children need school supplies for the upcoming school year.

Each year since 2001, Volunteers of America-Greater New York has been giving new backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies to children who are homeless throughout New York City. A filled backpack relieves parents of a financial burden and provides a sense of normalcy into the otherwise chaotic lives of these children, helping them look and feel more like their classmates. Most importantly, a filled backpack allows these children to start the school year feeling prepared and confident, with the knowledge that their education is important.

In 2012, we collected more than 13,500 backpacks! These backpacks were distributed to 150 shelters across New York City. We thank all of our corporate sponsors, companies and organizations that held drives, and the hundreds of people who came to volunteer at Sort Week.

We are now gearing up for Operation Backpack 2013, and we hope you'll join the campaign! Learn more about how you can get involved below or contact Colleen Magri at cmagri@voa-gny.org or 212-496-4307.

You Can Help: Donate Online
You can help kick-off this year's drive by donating online! Use our simple and secure online donation form to set up a one-time or recurring gift.

Organize A Drive:
More than 140 companies and organizations held drives in 2012, collecting backpacks and supplies for kids in need. If you would like to be involved this year, contact Colleen Magri at cmagri@voa-gny.org or 212-496-4307.

Watch Operation Backpack spokesperson Paige Davis talk about the campaign: New York News | New York Breaking News | NYC Headlines

Rachel Weinstein, VP/Chief Development & Communications Officer, talked with CBS's Cindy Hsu about the campaign last year. Cindy also came back to Sort Week -- when hundreds of volunteers pack thousands of supplies -- and interviewed some of the volunteers. Watch the news clip.

Roger Clark of NY1 also visited our sort space, donated by RXR Realty, and talked with Rachel Weinstein and the DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond. Watch the news clip.
Watch Rajini tell her story about how Operation Backpack made a tremendous difference in her life:

More About Operation Backpack:

- The lives we touch: watch a video about a student who was helped by Operation Backpack.

- Meet Paige Davis, our dedicated spokesperson for Operation Backpack.

- View our 2012 Operation Backpack photos
- View our photo gallery: Operation Backpack campaign over the years
Contact
If you have any questions about Operation Backpack or any of our other volunteer programs, please contact Colleen Magri at cmagri@voa-gny.org or 212-496-4307.

 

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