Operation Backpack Getting Underway
United Way of Mahaska County
It’s that time of year again! – United Way of Mahaska County is partnering with SIEDA, the Salvation Army, local businesses, and the Oskaloosa Community School District to launch another year of Operation Backpack. 2017 marks the ninth year of the program, and coordinators are confident that this year will be another that fully represents the Oskaloosa community’s commitment to their children and schools. Since 2010, Operation Backpack has provided over 2,500 backpacks full of school supplies to children in need in Mahaska County. These bags of supplies ensure students are adequately prepared to learn, and more confident in their ability to succeed in school.
Operation Backpack donation boxes will begin popping up at local businesses in the Oskaloosa community during the week of July 3rd. Donating is quick, easy, and convenient with multiple collection sites around Oskaloosa. On June 30th, a complete list of collection sites and supply needs will be posted at UnitedWayMahaska.org/OpBackpack. This information can also be obtained by contacting United Way of Mahaska County at (641)673-6043.
On Friday, July 28th, from 11 AM to 1 PM, donation boxes will be brought to the North Hy-Vee parking lot for the United Way’s annual Stuff the Bus event. 2017 will be the seventh year of Stuff the Bus, an event that supports Operation Backpack. The event gives community members one last chance to donate to Operation Backpack and helps fill the high demand for supplies. During the event, donation boxes full of school supplies will be used to “stuff” an entire school bus.
In the weeks following the supply drive, volunteers will work to sort through donations, fill hundreds of backpacks, and distribute them to families in need. Applications to receive a backpack will be available in the Oskaloosa Shopper, as well as SIEDA’s Oskaloosa office, United Way of Mahaska County, Oskaloosa Summer Lunch Program locations, Crisis Intervention Services, Love INC, and online at UnitedWayMahaska.org/OpBackpack. All applications must be returned to SIEDA by 4:30 PM, July 28th, 2017.
Operation Backpack is successful, largely due to amount of support it receives from the community. Anyone who would like more information on how they can help support Mahaska County students should contact United Way of Mahaska County at (641)673-6043 or by email at uwmc.intern@gmail.com.
