Operation Backpack is now underway and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. The Hockomock Area YMCA donated 2,000 backpacks last year and aims to put 2,500 fully stuffed backpacks into the hands of children for the coming school season. We are eager to help send children confidently back to school this fall.

A dedicated association of staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members, the Y commits itself to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. Convening donors and volunteers to improve the back to school season for local families reflects what the Hockomock Area YMCA stands for. 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.

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 14th. To aid families facing financial hardships, the goal is to provide 2,500 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 Katie Moore at (508) 643-5265 or [email protected]. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000–which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor, which is a giving level ensuring that 200 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today. Operation Backpack is now underway

In addition to backpacks and monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, scissors and hand sanitizer.
A donation of $50 will cover the cost of a fully stocked backpack. Please text HOCKYMCA to 56651 or visit hockymca.org/give to complete a secure monetary donation.

Anyone who wishes to provide school supplies in a contactless fashion is encouraged to visit Amazon, where a wish list is in place to offer easy purchasing and direct delivery to the Y; please visit: bit.ly/ybackpack.

Thank you for your support. Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities:

Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough (508) 543-2523; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin (508) 528-8708; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield (508) 964-2088; North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro (508) 695-7001.

Please contact Brandi Jacobs at (774) 235-2753 or [email protected] should you or someone you know need a backpack. Details are available at: hockymca.org/backpack-drive/.

For more information on the Hockomock Area YMCA, visit hockymca.org.