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. Watch the video below and explore our recap to see the incredible impact you helped create in 2025.
Important Operation Backpack 2026 Dates
| WHEN | WHAT |
|---|---|
| Now | Donate, sponsor, or host a supply drive |
| July 16 | Zoo-event giving closed — thank you, Metro Detroit! |
| July 17 | Drives open to try to support waitlist families and next year |
| Late July | Registered families notified about applications |
| August 11 | Backpacks 4 You distribution event, Detroit Zoo |
Purchase Supplies
Shop at Our Online Store
Purchase items from our supply list on your own and drop them off at any of our seven thrift stores or VOAMI Southfield (26211 Central Park Blvd, Suite 650, Southfield MI 48076) office during the drive.
We partner with Roonga™ to make shopping convenient. Purchase grade-specific supply kits or pre-filled backpacks — everything ships directly to our office, sorted and ready. Items purchased now may arrive after the August 11 event and will go to waitlist families and students later this school year.
Have a child in need of a backpack? Backpack Requests are Currently Closed
To families needing help: Operation Backpack provides school supplies to families in need. We’re currently at capacity, but we’re grateful to our donors and actively seeking more support to expand our program and serve you. Please check back in early August to see if we are able to meet your need.
To supporters: We need your help to reach more families. Consider donating to expand Operation Backpack’s impact.
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.
2025: Look What You Made Possible
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, 2,800 children were equipped for the 2025 school year. Explore our recap to see the incredible impact you helped create.
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.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Captain Supporter
Sergeant Supporter
Corporal Sponsor
Volunteer Sponsor
Want to learn more?
Phone: (248) 791-5105 ext. 1158 • opbk@voami.org