Operation Backpack kicks off downtown, campaign benefits homeless and at-risk children

CINCINNATI - Dozens of volunteers stuffed backpacks with school supplies on Fountain Square Monday in an effort to help the local homeless and at-risk children.

The Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio loaded a truck with filled backpacks as part of "Operation Backpack." Employees and other people in the area were encouraged to participate and get more information about how they can help with the campaign.  All of the supplies were provided.

The new backpacks and supplies will help local children start the coming school year off on the right foot.

According to the Volunteers of America, since less than 25 percent of homeless children graduate from high school, having new backpacks and school supplies can "boost self-esteem and help kids feel more like their peers."

"Homeless and at-risk kids face enormous challenges which hinder their ability to be successful in school," said Dennis Kresak, president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio in a press release. "Preparing these children with a backpack and school supplies eliminates one major hurtle and allows kids to focus that energy on academic success."

What the organization also needs is for area businesses, churches, service groups and individual community members to hold their own backpack drives, so that there's enough backpacks to go around, said Kathryn Lecklider, Communications Director of Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio. 

You can also make a donation at an area drop location, including at Qdoba, which will offer free burritos for backpack donations.  To view school supply lists, a complete list of drop locations or to donate online, you can visit the organizations' website .

Lecklider said the organization's goal is to distribute 2,000 backpacks to children in need this year.  The campaign runs until Monday Aug. 10.