Questions & Answers
What children receive backpacks through Operation Backpack?
The recipients of Operation Backpack backpacks are at-risk children from low-income families for whom the purchase of a new backpack with its supplies is difficult for the family. Many of the children are participants in Volunteers of America-Minnesota programs including:
- Foster children
- Children receiving mental health services
- Children with parents who are incarcerated
- At-risk students attending alternative schools
- Children with special needs and disabilities
- Children living in residential treatment centers
With your generosity we can bring encouragement and hopefulness to children in difficult circumstances — and the opportunity to begin school with a new backpack and supplies just like the other kids.
How much does a backpack with supplies usually cost?
The cost of filled backpacks can vary greatly, depending on grade-level and your bargain hunting. If you purchase the backpack and all supplies at a discount retailer, you would likely spend approximately $15 for a backpack and $30 for supplies for grades Pre-K through 6, and $20 for a backpack and $50 for supplies for grades 7 through 12.
How are the backpacks distributed?
Volunteers of America-Minnesota program staff will hand-deliver the backpacks to children the week before school starts.