YMCA Operation Backpack: Donate Before July 19 Deadline to Help Houston's Youth Start the School Year Strong
As another school year approaches, the YMCA of Greater Houston is getting ready to wrap up its annual YMCA Operation Backpack initiative. This initiative, launched on June 17, allows Houstonians to help in providing school supplies, backpacks, and opportunities for youth to attend YMCA after-school programs. Marking its 20th year of service, the initiative aims to give Houston's youth the essential tools needed to start the 2024 – 2025 school year on a high note. But Houstonians have only a few days left to support Houston’s youth by contributing to YMCA Operation Backpack through July 19.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Stephen Ives, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston, emphasizes, “Education is a cornerstone of our society, and we are committed to engaging with the future generation to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.” The YMCA has remained steadfast in its dedication to the community, playing an integral role in fostering both the developmental and emotional well-being of Houston's youth.
With its mission to empower the community, YMCA Operation Backpack aims to distribute backpacks and school supplies to 30,000 students across the Houston area. Houstonians can contribute to the cause in different ways including online donations at ymcaoperationbackpack.org, text donations by texting YMCABACKPACK to 24365, by simply sharing the campaign with family and friends, or donation of a new backpack at your local YMCA like the Langham Creek Family YMCA, which is located at 16725 Longenbaugh Dr, Houston, TX 77095.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
As part of their commitment, the Langham Creek Family YMCA center has pledged to serve the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District with a goal of collecting 1,000 backpacks for their students. With Houston contending with higher-than-average child poverty rates, this effort could contribute significantly towards improving the learning outcomes for these children.
The initiative invites participation beyond financial contributions. Volunteer opportunities with the Langham Creek Family YMCA are available on Friday, August 9, from 5-8 pm, where individuals can assist with backpack distribution. Interested parties can contact Catherine Hollis at catherineh@ymcahouston.org for more details about volunteering opportunities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
