Written by Michelle Elliott, Regional Manager, Downtown Main Library
This summer, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library partnered with Volunteers of America for Operation Backpack, dedicated to equipping children with essential school supplies. The initiative wrapped up on Aug. 8, and we are thrilled to share the impact of your generous contributions.
Thanks to your support, we collected an incredible 320 backpacks and 87 boxes of supplies! Here's how your donations will be distributed:
- 105 backpacks and 21 Library bins of supplies will be distributed to our Library locations.
- 215 backpacks and 66 boxes of supplies will be delivered to Volunteers of America and distributed to Boys & Girls Club locations.
Looking to Get Supplies Before the School Year?
Selected CHPL locations will distribute backpacks and supplies to children as the school year approaches. Please contact these branches directly to check availability. The following branches will have these school essentials available while supplies last:
- Blue Ash Branch: (513) 369-6051 | blueash@chpl.org
- Elmwood Place Branch: (513) 369-4452 | elmwoodplace@chpl.org
- Groesbeck Branch: (513) 369-4454 | groesbeck@chpl.org
- Mt. Washington Branch: (513) 369-6033 | mtwashington@chpl.org
- North Central Branch: (513) 369-6068 | northcentral@chpl.org
- Reading Branch: (513) 369-4465 | reading@chpl.org
- Wyoming Branch: (513) 369-6014 | wyoming@chpl.org
Volunteers of America will also provide backpacks and school supplies through Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the Cincinnati area. For more information, visit their website at bgcgc.org.
School essentials include:
- New backpack
- Pencils
- Pencil Pouch
- Blue or Black Ballpoint Pens
- Highlighters
- Markers (8-Count)
- Erasers
- Three-Ring Binder
- Spiral Notebooks
- Folders (with pockets)
Your support at our branches will empower children this school year. We greatly appreciate your commitment to helping kids achieve success!
About Operation Backpack
Operation Backpack aims to provide under resourced children with new backpacks filled with essential school supplies, offering hope and equal educational opportunities. With the average cost of school supplies reaching $890 per child, many families face tough choices. This initiative addresses that gap, ensuring all children can pursue their educational dreams.
To learn more about Operation Backpack and Volunteers of America, check out their website at VOA.org.
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