Operation Backpack

Despite government budget cuts, VOA-GNY met last year’s record, providing backpacks and school supplies to tens of thousands of children living in NYC shelters. At a time of record family homelessness and challenging government budget cuts, Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) distributed 19,000 backpacks to school-aged children living in New York City homeless and domestic violence shelters this summer through its 22nd annual Operation Backpack® campaign. Operation Backpack® is a community-wide effort that aims to ensure as many children as possible have the school supplies they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. These items are critical resources that…

PIX 11 and News12 Bronx reported on VOA-GNY’s 2023 Operation Backpack® giveaway for students living at Legacy Family Residence, one of our family shelters in Brooklyn.

Meg Oliver, reporter for CBS, speaks to VOA-GNY client Krystal and her son Kyle, who has received several backpacks through Operation Backpack®. The segment features VOA-GNY board member Paige Davis and program director Anton Nimblett.

In an op-ed published by amNY, Leslie Armstrong, VOA-GNY’s Assistant Vice President of NYC Emergency Housing and Shelter Services, shares the importance of our Operation Backpack® campaign in helping students experiencing homelessness start the school year on an even playing field with their peers.