Hockomock Area YMCA Invites Businesses and Individuals to Pitch in and Support the Y’s 8th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway at the Hockomock Area YMCA and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. Committed to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children and strengthening the community, the YMCA has a hefty goal of 3,000 fully stocked backpacks delivered before the fall school year begins. 

 

Support Community Backpack Drive

“Convening donors and volunteers to support area families in need reflects our Y’s commitment to serve and strengthen our communities together,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Having access to backpacks and supplies is integral to a student’s success. As many families in our area face financial difficulties, we want to make sure that all kids have the supplies they need to start the upcoming school year off right.”  

 

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 4th. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners, and neighbors to provide kids with the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. 

Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield; and Hurley Family Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro.  

“Fulfilling our mission is only possible because of dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and partners who support our cause of enhancing lives and enriching communities,” adds Downs. “Your support with this Backpack Drive will help children and neighbors in need in our 15 town service area.”  

Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or via email at patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $500–which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor at $10,000, which is a giving level ensuring that 500 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today. 

In addition to monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: backpacks for all ages including pre-k, elementary, middle school, and high school, pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, binders, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, pencil cases, lunch boxes, and scissors. The drive’s Amazon wish list is available at bit.ly/BackpackWishList23 and complete details are available at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.  

 

If a member of your family or someone you know needs a backpack, a request form can be found online at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.  

 

About Hockomock Area YMCA: 

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening the community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.  

 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.