Operation Backpack is now underway and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. The Hockomock Area YMCA donated 2,000 backpacks last year and aims to put 2,500 fully stuffed backpacks into the hands of children for the coming school season.
The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners, and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared.
New supplies and backpacks are requested now through Aug. 14. To aid families facing financial hardships, the goal is to provide backpacks to students residing in each of the 15 towns served by the Hockomock Y. Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Katie Moore at 508-643-5265 or katiem@hockymca.org.
Sponsorship levels range from $1,000–which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor, which is a giving level ensuring that 200 children will receive needed supplies. A donation of $50 will cover the cost of a fully stocked backpack. Please text HOCKYMCA to 56651 or visit hockymca.org/give to complete a secure monetary donation.
In addition to backpacks and monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, scissors, and hand sanitizer.
Anyone who wishes to provide school supplies in a contactless fashion is encouraged to visit Amazon, where a wish list is in place to offer easy purchasing and direct delivery at bit.ly/ybackpack.
Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities:
Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., Foxborough, 508-543-2523
Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, 508-528-8708
Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom St., Mansfield, 508-964-2088
North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood St., North Attleborough, 508-695-7001
Please contact Brandi Jacobs at 774-235-2753 or brandij@hockymca.org should you or someone you know need a backpack. Details are available at: hockymca.org/backpack-drive/.
