Initiative supports region’s vulnerable children; this years’ drive will focus on computers and other tech

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) today announced the start of its annual Operation Backpack® campaign. The campaign, active for more than a decade, aims to stand in the gap for the region’s most vulnerable children by providing backpacks, school supplies and funding for academic enrichment to more than 2,000 homeless and underprivileged children served by VOACC programming.

This year, due to COVID-19, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas has altered its approach to Operation Backpack®. Many children will be distance learning and now, more than ever, need the appropriate access to computers, Wi-Fi and other technology to receive an education. The nonprofit’s fundraising goal is $25,000 but is focusing on letting donors know that $350 will ensure that a child has access to a laptop computer. Additionally, $25 will provide a new backpack filled with the required supplies for a child in VOACC’s care.

“Ordinarily we rely on the public – mainly companies – to organize drives that result in at least 2,000 full backpacks,” said President/CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas Russ Snyder. “For the other items needed, we raise funds to purchase school supplies, secure in-kind product donations and fill backpacks from scratch with the help of volunteers in August. This year, with many employees working remotely and social distancing efforts in place, we simply cannot bank on things returning to normal in time to conduct Operation Backpack® in the usual way.”

Continuing Education Sponsors Edwards Performance Solutions, Amerigroup, Superior Concrete Materials and Enterprise Fleet Management each contributed $2,500 to purchase supplies and to help fund after-school activities throughout VOACC programs including tutoring, healthy snacks and parent engagement activities.

“More now than ever, we believe it’s important to support efforts like Operation Backpack,” said Edwards Performance Solutions’ President and CEO Gina Abate. “Our children are the next generation of business leaders; it’s essential to keep them connected and make learning accessible. We are proud to help ensure they have the proper resources for educational success.”

Additionally, Merritt Properties is sponsoring a major upgrade to VOACC’s Pratt House, a permanent supportive housing program for families in Baltimore. With Merritt Properties’ financial contribution, the computer lab Pratt House will undergo a technology upgrade that allows access to high-speed internet.

“Merritt has long been committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children in our area,” said Merritt’s Missy Teague. “Part of that puzzle is to ensure access to education and encourage advancement through learning, so we are proud to partner with Pratt House on the computer lab’s upgrade.”

To learn more or donate to Operation Backpack®, visit: https://www.voachesapeake.org/backpack