Operation Backpack

Operation Backpack
Back-to-School Outreach to
Homeless Children and their Families
Sunday, July 16 – Sunday, August 6, 2017
The St. Ann’s Outreach Committee invites you to help provide school supplies to homeless children through the Volunteers of America (VOA) program known as “Operation Backpack.” St. Ann’s will collect these items in the narthex (foyer) from July 16 through Sunday, August 13.
Upwards of 23,000 children live in New York City’s homeless and domestic violence shelters. One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on a child’s education. New backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies relieve parents of a financial burden and provide a sense of normalcy to the often chaotic lives of these children.
Lists of supplies needed are available at the church entrance and ushers’ table also here. These lists cover several age groups of school children: pre-K and kindergarten, lower grades, middle school and high school. Included are such things as the backpacks themselves, pencils, USB flash drives, hand sanitizers and other supplies.
You may also support this campaign in any of the following other ways:
- Volunteer to sort supplies and stock and label backpacks after services on Sunday, August 13;
- Volunteer to deliver backpacks to the VOA offices in midtown Manhattan on Monday, August 14;
- Donate directly to Operation Backpack; or
- Ask your friends to pitch in!
This is St. Ann’s fifth annual Operation Backpack drive. We appreciate your help in connecting to the needs of children by your participation!
This is St. Ann’s fifth annual Operation Backpack drive. We appreciate your help in connecting to the needs of children by your participation!