Thank you for helping all kids reach for the stars this school year!
We talked to our Ohio sponsor and longtime VOA Ohio & Indiana, Oswald Companies, to get to the heart of why they support Operation Backpack each year.
And just like that, summer is nearly over, and so is Operation Backpack! Each year, our Ohio and Indiana communities rally together to help all kids reach for the stars through Operation Backpack®, a Volunteers of America signature program that helps local kids reach their full potential and thrive as they start the school year.
A successful mission requires support from individuals, families, corporations, and community groups across Ohio and Indiana. VOA Ohio & Indiana is grateful to each and every partner who joins the movement to ensure all kids start the year on a level playing field.
Partners like Oswald, this year’s Ohio sponsor, step up in a big way to ensure kids have the tools they need to succeed and dream big as they start the school year. Oswald has been a dedicated partner for many years, donating dollars and time to support individuals, families, and veterans in our communities. Oswald even hosted our central Ohio “Drop Day” this year where community members could drop off donations on the last day of the campaign.
In celebration of our partnership and our shared love for the community, we asked Oswald company leadership some questions to get to the heart of held an old-school Q&A with Oswald leadership to better understand why it’s important to get involved from their perspective.
From Jessica Jung, President, Oswald Companies
- What first inspired Oswald to support Operation Backpack?
Having everything they need to start the school year off right helps prepare children to face what can be an intimidating time as they progress through school. We saw a way to help children overcome those obstacles simply by giving them the supplies they need, so they can focus on learning.
- Why does Oswald participate in Operation Backpack?
Oswald was founded more than a century ago on the principle of Commitment to Community. That belief has been brought to life in many different ways over the years as needs of the community have changed. We can’t think of a better way to help our neighbors than to give children the tools they need to succeed in school.
From Jonathan Sadlier, Columbus Market President for Oswald Companies and a member of the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana:
- What does it mean to you to be part of this community effort that helps all kids start the school year with the tools they need?
As a father, I see my children get excited each year when they go off to their first day of school with a new backpack and a fresh set of supplies. It warms my heart to know that we have helped children become prepared to enter a new school year ready to learn.
- What is the atmosphere like amongst staff, do they get excited about Operation Backpack?
The conversation each year is spirited! Stuffing the backpacks is so much fun for our employee-owners because they get to see the smiles on children’s faces when they receive the tools they need to excel in school.
- Any fun anecdotes to share about this campaign or previous years?
Every year, I look forward to volunteering for Operation Backpack. I start thinking about the kids who will receive the supplies as soon as the list is released. I remember being excited as a child when I received new supplies at the beginning of the school year, and I’m happy to pass that joy to another generation. I am thankful Volunteers of America is helping children in our community be ready for school success!
- Why is it important for people to donate to Operation Backpack?
Education is what enables all of us to succeed in school and in life. We can do our small part to prepare this generation for learning, which helps us all in the long run.
Thank you to our 2024 Operation Backpack Partners!
