Operation Backpack®

Operation Backpack® is our initiative to fill in the gap for our region’s most vulnerable children. Your donations help us provide backpacks, school supplies and funding for academic enrichment to more than 2,500 homeless and underprivileged children in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Together, we can help ensure these children achieve success despite their circumstances.

This Year We will Continue to Focus on the Needs of Students During COVID-19

Last year, we adjusted our campaign to support the many children experiencing distance-learning and in need of the appropriate access to computers, WiFi, and other technology to receive an education. So in addition to backpacks and school supplies, we appealed to the community to help us raise funds to purchase laptops. In 2021, our mission remains the same!

Last year, we raised $34,000 and provided 2,500 students backpacks, supplies, laptops!

Our 2021 Operation Backpack® goal is to raise $40,000 to support even more kids in need.

If you are interested in supporting our efforts this year,
please contact one of our Community Outreach Coordinators below:

Maryland, DC & Virginia Area
Please contact Christle Baker-Gill at
cbaker-gill@voaches.org or (240) 764-2654

North & South Carolina Area
Please contact Mike DeCinti at
mdecinti@voacarolinas.org or (919) 432-3890

How to Get Involved in Operation Backpack® 2021

Become a Sponsor

We're actively looking for 2021 Operation Backpack® sponsors! To learn more and become an Official Sponsor, please download our sponsorship packet.

Learn More
Make a Donation

Your monetary donation will help us provide backpacks, school supplies, computers, and distance learning resources for children.

Donate
Donation Drop-Off Locations

We are excited to partner with Brookfield Properties to host our donation drop-off bins. Whether you have a few supplies or a car full, please feel free to bring your donations to these Brookfield Properties located throughout our Chesapeake & Carolinas Region.

find a location near you

Fill a Backpack

Click the button below to see the supply lists for the different grade levels. Also, if you would like to organize an Operation Backpack® Drive at your company, club, school, or place of worship, please submit the Supply Drive Registration Packet.

supply list & registration packet
Purchase & Deliver School Supplies from Amazon

If you're unable to drop off supplies in person, you can still donate by using Amazon. Just click on the button below to see our Operation Backpack School Supply Wish List. You can then shop and have your purchased delivered for you.

shop now
Our Family-Based Programs

Your donation will support the vulnerable children of the families we serve. Learn more about our programs!

Learn more