The opportunity to choose
new backpacks full of school supplies brought smiles to the faces of dozens of Volunteers of America children at the Operation Backpack 2008 distribution kick-off event
held July 31 at Cal Expo.
See more.

Some had their eyes on "Batman" and "Speed Racer," others on Disney's "High School Musical" and "Tinkerbell." Then there were those who just couldn't decide.

For the many sponsors, donors and supporters who attended the July 31 Operation Backpack distribution kick-off, perhaps the best part of the event was seeing that the children had so many wonderful choices.

Dozens of students – the sons and daughters of Volunteers of America clients – were invited to the kick-off celebration to pick out their new, school supply-filled backpacks which were collected during this year's Operation Backpack campaign July 11 through 25. See more from our Operation Backpack distribution event.

While the Operation Backpack campaign is officially over, we are still happily accepting donations of new backpacks and school supplies as we continue distribution through August.

This year, with the sponsorship and support of Fox40 KTXL, The Sacramento River Cats, Starbucks, Washington Mutual, Save Mart Supermarkets, KGBY-My925,  Signature Reprographics, Macy's, PG&E and Mead, Volunteers of America is providing in excess of 1,300 new, supply-filled backpacks to disadvantaged children in the Greater Sacramento area. (see 2007 thank-you notes)

It's not too late to help
Individuals may purchase new backpacks and fill them with the supplies itemized on one of the grade-specific school supply lists. Then label the backpack (the supply lists double as labels) and bring it to the Volunteers of America administration office (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday).

You also may give online now by designating the "Operation Backpack" option on our online giving page. You may also call in a donation to our office at 916.442.3691 (ask for Shauna).