Top: Fox40-KTXL reporter Joe Orlando interviews Volunteers of America Chief Development and Communications Officer Christie Holderegger about Operation Backpack at July 10’s kick-off event. Above (left): Volunteers of America Community Relations Manager Kim Castaneda (right) speaks to a donor;
Macy’s Tim Collins shows off a publicity poster as
he picks up his store’s collection materials.

Triple-digit heat couldn’t keep them away – neither could smoky air. For however hazy the skies were, the mission of these donors, volunteers and media supporters was clear: kids are in need, and we want to help.

Dozens of community members ignored the elements to show up for the July 10 kick-off to Operation Backpack, Volunteers of America’s annual community drive for new backpacks and school supplies.

To homeless and disadvantaged children, new backpacks are more than back-to-school fashion accessories, they’re tools that can help break the cycle of poverty, as well as essential elements for life-affirming self-esteem.

Many representatives of those companies and agencies that are generously hosting public drop-off sites for the two-week (July 11-25) campaign made the trek to the Orangevale Save Mart to pick up their collection boxes and publicity materials from Operation Backpack staff led by Volunteers of America Vice President and Chief Development and Communications Officer Christie Holderegger and Community Relations Manager Kim Castaneda.

Also braving soaring temperatures were backpack donors, as well as volunteers who assisted with readying the boxes for distribution.

Helping to spread the word was Fox40-KTXL’s Joe Orlando, who interviewed Holderegger for a segment  that would air that evening on Fox40 News.

KGBY-My925 on-air personality Heather Lee and the marketing team from Fox40-KTXL, Operation Backpack’s media sponsor, helped create some buzz at the shopping center during the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. event. Both media groups hosted booths alongside Volunteers of America, helping draw curious passersby with music and giveaways.

Take me to the Operation Backpack home page