Operation Backpack: A Good Cause

Every year, my friend Ruth and I participate in Operation Backpack.  Operation Backpack is sponsored by Volunteers of America of Greater New York, and is a program that collects donations of backpacks and school supplies for homeless children living in NYC area shelters.  From their website, There are nearly 11,000 school-age children living in New York City homeless shelters on any given day. Most of these children will go back to school in September without the basic school supplies..."   Last year over 7,000 book bags were collected.  Which is great, however, that means 4,000 kids went without.  With all the millions of residents in NYC, we can do better than that!

I look forward to this every year because it makes me feel good to know I can help a kid in need get a good start on the school year.  On the website you can print out a supply checklist for a specific grade.  I really enjoy picking out school supplies and a backpack, and this year I decided on Grade 1-4 and for a girl.  How cute is this book bag?  I would have loved this if I were a kid!

I hope the kid who gets the bag really likes it.  They really deserve it!  If you live in the NYC area, please consider participating in this year's drive.  The last day to donate a backpack full of school supplies is Sunday, July 24th.  Donations of backpacks and supplies can be dropped off at any Duane Reade or CitiHabitats in New York City. For more information, go to the website.  On the site you will find links to download PDFs of supply lists.  A deserving kid will be glad you did.