Operation Backpack Returns
Oskaloosa School Board members Charlie Comfort (left) and Tom Richardson (right) help fill backpacks. (file photo)
Oskaloosa, IA– United Way of Mahaska County is partnering again with SIEDA and the Salvation Army to make sure students have the tools they need to succeed. Operation Backpack provides backpacks and school supplies to students in need in Mahaska County.
“We want to give students their best chance for success,” says Amy Langdon, executive director of the United Way of Mahaska County. “When they have all the supplies they need, they’re able to focus on learning.”
Applications for a backpack are due by August 1st to SIEDA (114 North Market, Oskaloosa), but we may be able to accommodate late applications if supplies last. Applications are available at the Salvation Army, SIEDA, United Way of Mahaska County, End of the Month Meals locations, Summer Lunch Program locations, Crisis Intervention Services, Love INC and are now available in the Shopper.
United Way of Mahaska County will also be hosting a supply drive, Stuff the Bus, to support the demand. Keep an eye out for bright, yellow boxes that look like buses at local retail spots and drop off a school supply or two. All of the boxes will be collected on July 29th and put into a school bus at our Stuff the Bus event in Hy-Vee’s North parking lot. These supplies will then be used to fill the backpacks given away for Operation Backpack with the remainder of the supplies going to help supply needs throughout the year at Oskaloosa Elementary School and Webster School.
Please join us by making a gift of school supplies and donate them in a collection box, at your business’ supply drive, or at our Stuff the Bus event.
If you would like to help students be prepared for the first day of school, contact the United Way of Mahaska County at (641).673.6043 to more information on volunteering or donating.
