2015 Operation Backpack Presents Pick-A-Pack Event
Homeless and at risk children will receive new backpacks stocked with school supplies at the 11th annual Pick-A-Pack event, following Operation Backpack, a community-wide drive.
What: More than 200 local children will be matched with a guest who will help them select a new backpack filled with the school supplies they’ll need when school starts in a few weeks. In addition, sponsor Google Express will premiere a short video for a backpack campaign set to be launched next Monday.
Who: Representatives from Sutter Health, Volunteers of America, Sydney Paige Buy One Give One Backpacks and Chairman of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Phil Serna will discuss the importance of Operation Backpack and how homelessness is affecting children in the Sacramento area.
When: Thursday, August 6, 2015, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: 1450 Expo Parkway, Sacramento - Apria Healthcare building
Assignment editors: the Pick-A-Pack event is not open to the public. Please refer viewers to call Operation Backpack at (916) 265-3966 or visit OperationBackpackNCNN.org for more information.
Each year, thousands of homeless and at-risk children in our local communities return to school without the basic supplies they need. Children who live in poverty or are homeless face many challenges and tremendous stigmatization – as a result, less than 25% graduate from high school.
“Now more than ever, Sacramento’s children need our help,” said Chairman of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Phil Serna. "Children who deal with homelessness have enough obstacles in their lives. A simple gift of a new backpack and supplies allows them to start the year prepared and ready to succeed.”
Preparing children for school with a new backpack filled with school supplies boosts their self-esteem and gives them the tools and confidence needed to learn and succeed in school.
About Operation Backpack
Now in its 11th year, Operation Backpack started as a way to provide children in Volunteers of America’s homeless shelters with new supplies for the school year. This year’s Operation Backpack is presented by sponsors Sutter Health, Sydney Paige Buy One Give One Backpacks and Google Express. Almost 6,000 back packs filled with school supplies will be distributed to partner social services agencies and school districts to provide to homeless and at-risk children.
About Volunteers of America
Founded locally in 1911, the Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada office of Volunteers of America is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs in eight categories: homeless services; homeless shelters; substance abuse treatment and recovery services; senior services; youth services; transitional housing; permanent supportive housing; and low income housing. In fact, Volunteers of America provides shelter or housing to nearly 1,500 men, women and children every night in the Greater Sacramento area. Nationally, Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by Ballington and Maud Booth with the purpose to help those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human-service programs, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people annually in more than 400 communities.
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