Empowering Kids, One Backpack at a Time:
Thank You to Our Operation Backpack® Partners
Back-to-school season is all about fresh starts — and thanks to the incredible support from our Operation Backpack® partners, thousands of children across Ohio and Indiana are heading into the school year with confidence, hope, and the tools they need to succeed.
At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, Operation Backpack® is more than just school supplies. It’s a powerful reminder to families facing tough times that their community cares. This impact wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and commitment of individuals in our community and partners who step up year after year to make a difference.
We wanted to take a moment to celebrate our amazing partners who go above and beyond to make Operation Backpack® a reality. Let’s hear in their own words what it means to them to support local kids! Their support is not only filling backpacks, but also fueling dreams.
Furniture Fair
“To me, being part of a community effort dedicated to creating a healthy community means showing up for each other, sharing what we can, and working together to make sure everyone feels supported, safe, and valued. The atmosphere amongst staff during volunteer projects with VOA is incredibly uplifting. There’s a real sense of unity and purpose. Everyone’s energized, connected, and proud to be giving back together. It’s a reminder of how much we can accomplish as a team, beyond just our day-to-day roles.”
Craig Daniels
Marketing Director, Furniture Fair
Jessina Esqueda, Zeller
“For us, Operation Backpack is more than just a donation drive—it’s an opportunity to come together as a community and make a tangible difference in the lives of local students. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, and that when we lift each other up—especially our most vulnerable neighbors—we create a stronger, more compassionate community.
The atmosphere among staff during Operation Backpack is incredibly positive and uplifting. There’s a strong sense of teamwork, purpose, and pride as everyone comes together for a shared goal. It’s also a great morale booster. People are smiling, sharing stories, and connecting over something meaningful. It’s one of those moments where the workplace feels less like a job and more like a community making a difference together.”
Jessina Esqueda, Zeller
The Indianapolis Public Library
“There’s a real sense of purpose and unity among staff when we come together for Operation Backpack. It’s more than just collecting supplies, it’s knowing we’re actively making a difference in the lives of students and families in our community. It really brings staff together around our shared mission and reminds us why we do the work we do.
At The Indianapolis Public Library, we believe every student deserves a strong start, and initiatives like this remind us of what’s possible when organizations and neighbors come together.”
Kue Meh, The Indianapolis Public Library
NAI Ohio Equities
“There’s a real sense of purpose and togetherness that you can feel amongst staff during Operation Backpack. It reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s energizing, hopeful, and a great reminder of what we can do when we come together for a good cause.
One of the highlights for us is stuffing all the backpacks at the end of the drive full of supplies—it turns into a full hands-on event where everyone pitches in, laughs, and it fosters teamwork. It also strengthens our relationships with the vendors we work with, clients, family members, and friends by bringing us all together.”
Jenna Loxterman, NAI Ohio Equities
Spreetail
“We had a lot of fun with Operation Backpack! It has definitely helped support team building. I saw a lot of communication between our team members and watched them become a very cohesive and extremely supportive unit as we created an assembly line to fill our backpacks. This community effort of creating a healthy community for all, especially supporting families and children, is exactly what Spreetail strives to be a part of. Knowing that we are making a difference in a child’s life is extremely rewarding. We just want them to be able to be a kid and have fun and learn and not worry about material items.
Our funny story is that we accidentally sent school supplies for one of our Fulfillment Centers to the Site Director’s personal home. His wife walked outside and saw a ton of boxes and told him he can no longer tell her she is ordering too much! He was such a good sport and packed them all up and brought them into the Fulfillment Center for us.”
Amy Maddox, Spreetail
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
“The atmosphere amongst staff participating in Operation Backpack is filled with enjoyment and allows staff to feel that they’re a part of the mission of wanting a greater and stronger community and empowered back-to-schoolers.
Thanks for having CHPL partner with our amazing organization! We are so grateful to be a part of an impactful initiative in our community!”
Kennedy McPherson
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Oswald Companies
“Oswald is proud to support VOA Operation Backpack for the students and families served, and for inspiring our employees to take part in their communities.”
Christina Schmitz, Chief Marketing Officer
Oswald Companies
Together, We’re Building Brighter Futures
As we look ahead to the new school year, we’re filled with gratitude for every partner who helped make Operation Backpack® a success. Your support means more than notebooks and pencils — it means hope, encouragement, and a stronger start for every child we reach.
We are grateful for every company, organization and individual for believing in the potential of our community’s kids and for standing with families during times of need. With your continued partnership, we’ll keep showing up — one backpack, one student, and one act of kindness at a time.
Let’s keep making a difference, together.
Thank You to Each one of Our 2025 Operation Backpack® Partners
You help Ohio & Indiana kids reach for the stars this year!
