For the fourth consecutive year, “YMCA Operation Backpack” joins the forces of 38 YMCAs, local churches and other partners to touch the lives of tens of thousands of Houston area children and families this school year. Thousands of school supplies will be collected for children who might otherwise go back to school unprepared.
This year, beginning July 12 through August 17, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies and distribute them to children in 31 Houston area school districts. The 38 YMCA of Greater Houston facilities throughout the city, including the Vic Coppinger Family YMCA, will serve as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies.
Last year, YMCA Operation Backpack collected more than 163,000 backpacks and supplies impacting a total of 25,000 families. The Vic Coppinger Family YMCA collected 605 backpacks and 8770 supplies, thanks to your donations.
“With the current state of the economy, many parents just don’t have the money to buy the supplies their kids need to start the new school year off right”, said Jennifer Strickland, Vic Coppinger Family YMCA executive director.
But this project extends beyond the boundaries of YMCA buildings to help children. Each Houston-area YMCA is partnering with a local church that will also serve as a school supply collection site.
The Vic Coppinger Family YMCA is working with New Hope Church which will be given a collection bin. The items donated at the church will be picked up by the YMCA.
The school supplies will be distributed to children in the Pearland and Friendswood Independent School District. Also, more than 40 parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will join the YMCA Operation Backpack team by collecting backpacks and school supplies at nearly 100 sites!
Again this year, the Houston Home Show has named YMCA Operation Backpack its official charity. Houston Home Show attendees will receive $2-Off General Admission when they bring a backpack or school supplies to donate to YMCA Operation Backpack.
The 27 Annual Houston Home Show runs August 8-10 YMCA Operation Backpack is supported by 89.3 KSBJ radio and ABC 13. To find the YMCA donation location nearest you, log on to www.ymcahouston.org or call 713-659-5566. |
