Operation Backpack® is our annual campaign that provides new backpacks and school supplies to children in need, helping them start school with confidence and the tools to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, 2,800 children were equipped for the 2025 school year. See the full recap of the impact you made possible and help us make next year even bigger.
1405 Backpacks
Given to School Districts and Partners
901 Backpacks
Given at Backpacks 4 You at the Detroit Zoo(Public)
494 Backpacks
Given to VOA Michigan Clients
600 MORE
Students Helped than in 2024
6
Total School Districts Served
54
Total Drives
310
Total Volunteers
$182,000
Worth of Backpacks Distributed
Looking for more?
Download our full recap report to see media statistics and quotes from those whose lives were touched.
Enjoy all of the photos from our backpack distribution event, Backpacks 4 You at the Detroit Zoo.
Want to help next year? There are many ways that you, family, friends, and colleagues can participate in Operation Backpack®and help a child in need:
Purchase Supplies
Shop at Our Online Store
Purchase items from our supply list on your own and drop them off at any of our six thrift stores or the VOAMI Southfield office during the drive.
We partner with Roonga™ to make shopping convenient. You can purchase during the drive grade-specific supply kits or pre-filled backpacks. The items purchased through this storefront will shipped directly to us at our office in time for the first day of school.
DONATE
Can’t participate? Consider donating! Your support and monetary donations are critical in changing the lives of our most vulnerable students across the state. You have the power to make our world a better place and give at-risk and homeless students a chance.
BECOME A SPONSOR
You have the chance to make a difference and be a part of something bigger! By sponsoring Operation Backpack® you provide support for VOAMI to make it happen. Email dbann@voami.org for more information.
VOLUNTEER
You can personally sort and pack backpacks, and even write notes of encouragement to set children up for success. Operation Backpack® relies on the kindness of individuals just like you to make the biggest impact possible.
START A DRIVE
You can organize
a local drive and
invite your friends
and colleagues to
participate by donating
school supplies and
backpacks using our
supply lists as a guide.
Want to save some
time? You can also
purchase supply kits
on our online.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Valedictorian Sponsor
School Yard Sponsor
Additional thanks to:
The Molina Foundation
A heartfelt thank you to The Molina Foundation for their generous donation of thousands of books to include with our backpacks. Their support ensures that children receive not only the essential supplies they need but also a meaningful gift that reminds them someone cares.
Douglas J Salon
We’re incredibly grateful to Douglas J Salon for donating haircut vouchers to include with every backpack. Looking and feeling your best on the first day of school can make all the difference. Thanks to their generosity, hundreds of kids will step into the new year with confidence and pride.
The Detroit Zoo
We’re so thankful to the Detroit Zoo for opening their doors to host our backpack giveaway and to their incredible staff who went above and beyond to make the event such a success. Because of their generosity and support, hundreds of children received the tools they need to start the school year ready to learn, and the experience was filled with joy from start to finish.
Thank you for your backpack drives!
ACS
Actemium
Amsted Automotive
Craig Noonan & Associates
Cummins
Duggan Wealth Management
Foster Swift
GBU Financial Life
Granger Construction
Lakeshore Financial Planning
MA Center Michigan
Marquardt
Marsh
Modern Wealth Management
Mortgage Center
Niagara Cares Fund
Nissan
OP Mobility
Rockwood
Schneiderman & Sherman P.C.
Sikh Temple
Target
TransForm Automotive
Want to learn more?
Phone: (248) 791-5105 ext. 1158 • opbk@voami.org