Yankees Host Operation Backpack®

From left to right: Dave Cooper, District Manager, Walgreens; Domenic Di Primo, Regional Healthcare Director, NJ/PA/DE; Walgreens Boots Alliance; Reed Switzer; Austin Romine, Yankees Catcher; Ella Weinig; Jake Weinig, Founding Partner, Malachite Capital Management; Diane Manning, Executive Director/Higher Ed & Not for Profit Leader, JP Morgan

Both founded at the turn of the 20th century, VOA-Greater New York and the New York Yankees are contemporaries. For years, the two institutions have worked hard to address the changing needs of their communities and enhance the well-being of their neighbors — VOA-Greater New York, through its extensive social service programming, and the Yankees, through their charity work in the community.

For the past several years the Yankees have generously invited VOA-Greater New York to participate in a special home plate ceremony before a game to recognize the efforts of Operation Backpack® and raise awareness of family homelessness in New York City. The Yankees also donate new backpacks to the campaign every year. 

The Yankees' commitment reminds us of what a true, city-wide effort Operation Backpack® is each year. The success of the campaign relies 100% on support from the community in the form of financial underwriting, donations of product and services, and spreading the word and engaging others in the campaign.

In 2019 we were joined by the following partners and supporters: Dave Cooper, District Manager, Walgreens; Domenic Di Primo, Regional Healthcare Director, NJ/PA/DE; Walgreens Boots Alliance; Mary Galligan, Managing Director, Deloitte; Diane Manning, Executive Director/Higher Ed & Not for Profit Leader, JP Morgan; Emma Skinner, Executive Assistant, The Plaza; Lou Switzer, Chairman and CEO, The Switzer Group; Jake Weinig, Founding Partner, Malachite Capital Management. Thank you for your steadfast support of our cause!

You can help ensure that no child goes back to school without the supplies they need. If your company or community group would like to help underwrite Operation Backpack® 2020 in a significant way, contact Rachel Weinstein at rweinstein@voa-gny.org or (212) 496-4305 for details on sponsorship. For general inquiries about how to get involved with Operation Backpack®, please contact Andrew Zibell at azibell@voa-gny.org or (212) 496-4307.