The start of school can be especially challenging for families facing housing insecurity or financial hardship. Supply costs have seen a substantial increase over last year, forcing some parents to choose between school supplies and essential items, such as groceries.
Operation Backpack® is a national VOA initiative to fill in the gap for children experiencing homelessness and poverty. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, local businesses, and additional foundation support, VOA collected and distributed more than 335 backpacks filled with school supplies to children staying at VOA’s emergency family shelters and housing programs in Monroe, Broome, and Tomkins counties. VOA also distributed backpacks to school-age children served by our Children’s Center in Rochester.
“I’m thankful for VOA bringing my kids backpacks. It’s going to take a lot of stress off me,” said Cecely Lozano, a VOA client and mother to six. “Last year we had to ask for help from family members, and they didn’t even have everything they needed for the first day of school, so for them to have their backpacks and school supplies already it means a lot.”
No kid should go to school empty-handed. A backpack filled with school supplies may seem small, but can provide a sense of stability and dignity during a difficult time.
VOA’s Operation Backpack® ensures children have the tools they need to succeed academically.
