We are no longer accepting supplies for this year. Monetary donations are always accepted, and we will start up again in 2023! Thank you!
Operation Backpack
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Make a Donation
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Start a Fundraising Team
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Sponsors
View our sponsors
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View our lists of approved supplies
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View our Drop Off Locations
All of our drives have ended for this year. Please check back in 2023 for new locations!
Give every child HOPE!
Thanks to you, each year, thousands of local students return to school with a new backpack and the supplies they need. BUT we know that it’s not just about paper, pens, or binders-- it’s about giving the gift of HOPE that this school year will be a great one. YOU can provide them with the confidence that, yes, they CAN succeed.
We need you more than ever! COVID-19 has presented many challenges to children everywhere. It is especially difficult for those living in transition from homelessness, in foster care or in low-income communities.
There are many ways to support Operation Backpack! Donate online, donate a NEW backpack and school supplies at participating locations, or host your own donation drive!
YOU can make a difference in a child’s life today. Make your gift today and help a local student!
CONTACT US
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Northern California:
Victoria Monroe
vmonroe@voa-ncnn.org
(916) 265-3978 -
Northern Nevada:
Stephan Page
spage@voa-ncnn.org
(650) 776-0100
Operation Backpack® News
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Kolo TV: Operation Backpack goes virtual, monetary donations only
viewThe goal is to reach $25,000 to purchase backpacks and school supplies for low income families in Washoe County.
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KFBK: Volunteers of America "Operation Backpack" Kicks Off Today
listen hereKFBK host Kitty O'Neal interviews Christie Holderegger, VP of Marketing and Communications, VOA on Operation Backpack going virtual this year.
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Northern NV businesses help raise over $25,000 for Operation Backpack
Read MoreOperation Backpack collected over $85,000 in a virtual drive to purchase school supplies for more than 3,000 children through a collaborative effort among 19 local businesses, 9 corporate sponsors, and over 900 donors.
Having a Backpack Helps Kids in Need Succeed!
Having a Backpack Helps Kids in Need Succeed!
What is Operation Backpack® ?
Each year, thousands of homeless and at-risk children in our local communities return to school without the basic supplies they need.
With your help, Operation Backpack® is able to provide thousands of backpacks, grade specific school supplies, and a variety of support services to homeless, at-risk and foster children from Pre-school to High School levels throughout the Greater Sacramento and Reno regions. Together, we are helping children learn and thrive in school, stay in school, and build a bright future.
Participate in Volunteers of America's Operation Backpack® and help children in need be prepared and excited for their first day of school!
Why do this?
Children who live in poverty or are homeless face many challenges and tremendous stigmatization – as a result, less than 25% graduate from high school. Preparing these 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 thrive in school.
Where do the backpacks go?
The backpacks and school supplies we collect are used in a number of ways. All of the families and children in our programs are provided a backpack and school supplies. We also work with partner agencies and school districts to ensure as many children as possible get the tools they need to start the school year off on the right foot.