Operation Backpack is now underway at the Hockomock Area YMCA and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. Committed to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children and strengthening the community, the YMCA has a hefty goal of 3,000 fully stocked backpacks delivered before the fall school year begins.
“Convening donors and volunteers to support area families in need reflects our Y’s commitment to serve and strengthen our communities together,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Having access to backpacks and supplies is integral to a student’s success. As many families in our area face financial difficulties, we want to make sure that all kids have the supplies they need to start the upcoming school year off right.”
New supplies and backpacks are requested now through Aug. 4. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners, and neighbors to provide kids with the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared.
Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., Foxborough; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom St., Mansfield; and Hurley Family Branch, 300 Elmwood St., North Attleborough.
Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or via email at patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $500–which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor at $10,000, which is a giving level ensuring that 500 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today.
In addition to monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: backpacks for all ages including pre-k, elementary, middle school, and high school, pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, binders, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, pencil cases, lunch boxes and scissors. The drive’s Amazon wish list is available at bit.ly/BackpackWishList23 and complete details are available at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.
If a member of your family or someone you know needs a backpack, a request form can be found online at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.
