Central Ohio

Many children return to school without the basic supplies they need. You can give a child hope to start the school year off right through Operation Backpack®.

With your help, new backpacks and school supplies are collected and given to local area kids in need throughout Central Ohio.

Every child deserves to experience the confidence that comes from starting the school year with the right tools in hand.

You can help all kids dream big for their futures!

Central Ohio Operation Backpack® drive is June 6 through August 8, 2022.

Donate Online

How to Donate a Backpack

1. Download the Supply List and go shopping for school supplies.
2. Deliver the backpack to a drop location near you.
   -OR-
3. You can shop online through our Roonga Wish List and have the supplies delivered straight to VOA. No hassle, no fuss.
   Online shopping available until August 1, 2022.
   
4. Don’t forget to post a photo and share your experience with us! Use #OperationBackpack and make sure to tag @voaohin on social media.
   

Campaign Toolkit

Backpack Drop Locations
June 6 - August 8

You can drop off backpacks and school supplies at all Volunteers of America Thrift stores in the Columbus area. Check our Thrift Store Directory for hours and locations.

Thrift Store Locations

Columbus Metropolitan Library
23 Locations throughout Greater Columbus.

Library Locations


YMCA of Central Ohio
Hilltop YMCA
2879 Valleyview Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43204

Hilliard/Ray Patch Family YMCA
4515 Cosgray Road
Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Jerry L. Garver YMCA
6767 Refugee Road
Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110

Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA
130 Woodland Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43203

Grove City YMCA
3600 Discovery Drive
Grove City, Ohio 43123

Liberty Township/Powell YMCA
7798 North Liberty Road
Powell, Ohio 43065

North YMCA
1640 Sandalwood Place
Columbus, Ohio 43229

Backpack Drop Days
August 9-10

You can drop off backpacks and school supplies at our downtown Columbus office for two days only after the campaign ends. Please visit the building's rear parking lot to drop off your donations to our VOA Thrift truck.

August 9 | 1pm to 5pm
August 10 | 9am to 12pm

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
1780 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203

Thank you Union Home Mortgage and Oswald for giving kids hope throughout Ohio.

A special thank you to our partners for sharing their love and hope with children in Central Ohio!