Operation Backpack 2009

Operation Backpack: July 10-24!

Operation Backpack, Volunteers of America's annual community campaign, provides a variety of support services to homeless families and their children, including much-needed new backpacks and school supplies to help these young boys and girls reach their full academic potential.

Homeless children face tremendous stigmatization; as a result, they are more likely to be placed in special-education classes and to drop out of school. A backpack boosts a child’s self-esteem and helps him feel like a "regular" kid.

In 2008, thanks to the support of our sponsors, as well as the many caring community members who donated, contributed and held private drives, Volunteers of America provided in excess of 1,300 new, supply-filled backpacks to disadvantaged children in the Greater Sacramento area. (Click here to see photos of our 2008 distribution event.)

How you can help

• Organize a workplace backpack drive
  
• Offer your retail store or business as a community drop-off location
  
• Make a donation to support children and their families in need
  
• Encourage your vendors and business partners to join the effort
  
• Volunteer to help collect backpacks from our drop-off locations, and assist with sorting and stuffing
  

For information on the 2009 Operation Backpack campaign, contact Kim Castaneda at 916.442.3691 or KimC@voa-sac.org.

Operation Backpack 2009 is being sponsored by: