The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Volunteers of America Chesapeake announced today that the last opportunity for fans to support the Operation Backpack school supply drive is at the Redskins vs. Buccaneers preseason game on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
Operation Backpack is an initiative that collects and distributes backpacks filled with school supplies to children living in Volunteers of America Chesapeake's homeless shelters throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area.
"One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on children's education," said President/CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake Russell Snyder. "The goal of Volunteers of America Chesapeake's Operation Backpack is to ensure that the homeless children we serve return to school prepared to be successful.
"We are thrilled that the Redskins have signed on to help us provide children with a level playing field despite their living situations."
Collection tables and donation bins will be available outside of FedExField at the gate entrances.
Suggested items to donate are as listed:
- Backpack
- Loose-leaf Paper (Wide Rule)
- 2-Pocket Folders
- Composition Notebook
- Spiral Notebooks
- Black Pens
- Large Pink Eraser
- No. 2 Pencils
- Pencil Box/Case
- Ruler
- Glue Stick
- Box of Crayons
- Pad of Drawing Paper
- Box of Washable Markers
- Handheld Pencil Sharpener
- Box of Colored Pencils
- 5-Inch Safety Scissors
- Facial Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer Two children supported by the Operation Backpack initiative will join in the Redskins game festivities – one will observe the coin toss and one will retrieve the tee after the second half kickoff.
Volunteers of America Chesapeake's corporate headquarters in Lanham, Md. will be collecting backpacks, supplies and monetary donations until Aug. 31. Donations can be made via the organizations website at www.voachesapeake.org.
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