Posted on: Thursday, July 20th, 2023
Operation Backpack
For 7 years, the YMCA Backpack Drive has provided school supplies and backpacks for children in communities across the Hockomock area, filling them with hope for a brighter future as they start the school year. The children in our community need us now more than ever.
Having access to proper supplies is an integral part of a student’s success. Together we work to make sure that kids have the tools they need to start the upcoming school year off right. If you are in a position to help, we will be so grateful. Please donate to the 8th annual Hockomock Area YMCA Backpack Drive.
New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 4th.
Our goal is to provide 3,000 fully stocked 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 Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels are varied: click here.
In addition to monetary donations, supplies that are needed include:
- backpacks for students ages 4-18
- colored pencils
- crayons
- binders
- glue sticks
- highlighters
- pencils and pencil cases
- rulers
- scissors
- spiral notebooks
- lunch boxes
- washable markers
A donation of $50 will cover the cost of one fully stocked backpack. Please text HOCKYMCA to 56651 or visit hockymca.org/give to complete a secure monetary donation of any size. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Check out out Amazon wish list today!
Donation bin locations
Items not shipped to us directly from the above Amazon link may be dropped off at collection sites outside Hockomock Area YMCA facilities during normal business hours. If donating at our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, please do so when dropping off or picking up your camper. Otherwise, please contact emilyh@hockymca.org to arrange delivery at the Balcom Street facility.
- If you have a high traffic location and would like to host a bin, please contact backpacks@hockymca.org.
- If you are willing to collect supplies from your neighbors, please use this form to sign up as a drop-off location in your community.
Also, we are looking for volunteers!
We are eagerly recruiting volunteers to help sort and stuff backpacks to meet our deadline. Many hands make light work. Adults are welcome to bring their supervised children. Students, you may also plan to bring community service forms for signing. Please sign up at the purple button (above) for your time from the following slots: (7/31) 10am – 12pm or 2pm – 5pm | (8/1) 12pm – 4pm | (8/2) 11am – 1pm or 5pm – 7pm | (8/7) 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm | (8/8) 9am – 12pm | (8/9) 5pm – 7pm or 9am – 12pm | (8/10) 10am – 1pm or 3pm – 6pm | (8/11) 10am – 2pm. Volunteers, you will meet YMCA staff at Amvet School (70 Amvet Blvd, North Attleborough, MA). Contact for any volunteer questions: backpacks@hockymca.org.
We are grateful to this year’s Backpack Drive Sponsors
The impact made by our drive would not be possible without the support of our donors, including 2023 YMCA Backpack Drive sponsors listed below:
- High Sierra (Secondary School Sponsor)
- Classroom Sponsors: CSM, LBP Solutions, New England Chapel, Pediatric Specialists of Foxborough & Wrentham, and Staples Bellingham
- School Sponsors: New England Temperature Solutions, Siemens, Ve’ Lace Bridal
Do you or someone you know need a backpack? Contact us today.
Please submit any requests for school supplies by completing this short form click here.
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. Thank you in advance for your participation!
