PRESENTED BY 
Thank you!
Thanks to your generosity, we saw more than 4,000 school supply-filled
backpacks donated during Operation Backpack 2011! Watch the video of the
beginning of our distribution process by clicking
here.
If you would like to help during the 2012 campaign, please email Delia
at OperationBackpack@voa-sac.org, or call (916) 442-3691.
What is Operation Backpack?
Operation Backpack is Volunteers of America's annual school-supplies drive to support low-income and homeless families in the Sacramento region. Since 2005, we have collected more than 11,000 backpacks for children in need.
Where can I drop off backpacks?
New backpacks filled with supplies, and affixed with a completed list, can be dropped off at any participating Tri Counties Bank or Starbucks location. With so many sites to choose from, it's easy to make a donation in the middle of a busy day, whether you're on the way to or from work, school, the gym, the dry cleaners or grocery.
In addition, you can always dropp off a backpack/school supplies at our administration office (1900 Point West Way, Suite 270, Sacramento, Calif., 95815). Please drop off backpacks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday between July 8 and 22.
Do backpacks and supplies have to be new?
Yes. We ask that all backpacks and school supplies be new and unused. We do not want to further stigmatize the children (many of whom are homeless). By giving them brand-new backpacks and school supplies, you can help increase their self-esteem.
Why do we need supply lists?
Nowadays, students receive mandatory school-supply lists from their teachers. By completely filling a backpack with the appropriate supplies, you are ensuring that each child has the appropriate tools to achieve academic success, regardless of his or her socioeconomic status.
I don't have time to shop – are there other ways to contribute?
We understand that not everyone has the time to shop for backpacks and supplies, so we've made it easy for you to support Operation Backpack through a quick online donation.
Where do backpacks and supplies go?
At the end of the two-week drive, we host "Pick-a-Pack Day," a distribution kick-off event when we invite our community supporters and volunteers to help children in need select a supply-stuffed backpack. In the beginning, only children of Volunteers of America clients were given Operation Backpack donations. However, due to growing community support, we are able to happily share donations with fellow social-service agencies, as well as area school districts.
How can my child receive a backpack?
Most school districts employ a "homeless liaison" to work with homeless and low-income families in need. These districts are often Operation Backpack beneficiaries. Please check with your respective school district's
homeless liaison office for more information.
What is Volunteers of America?
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization with local offices based in 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1896 by social reformers Maud and Ballington Booth, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities every year.
In Sacramento, our mission to "reach and uplift all people" began in 1911, making this our 100th year of providing human-service programs in California's capital. What started as a soup kitchen and chapel has grown to more than 40 diverse programs that help homeless individuals and families, abused and neglected seniors, former foster youth, and those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.
Our goal is to end homelessness, support the most-vulnerable populations, and transform our community into a better place. We credit our success and longevity in the Sacramento region to a professional and nurturing staff, diverse programs that respond to the needs of our community, generous donors and volunteers!
To learn more about Volunteers of America, see
About Us.
Operation Backpack 2011 is Sponsored By
