Operation Homefront’s Annual Program Supports Military Families with Backpacks This Summer

Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade

As American families prepare for the upcoming school year, many are feeling the pinch of rising costs. This is especially true for military families, who often bear additional financial burdens related to deployments and relocations. To address these challenges, Operation Homefront has initiated its 19th annual Back-to-School Brigade®, a program aimed at providing essential support to military families across the nation.

The Back-to-School Brigade program is pivotal in distributing backpacks filled with crucial school supplies, ensuring that military children can start the school year equipped to learn. Beyond just supplying materials, this initiative fosters a sense of community and belonging among military families, enhancing their overall well-being.

The Need for Support

According to Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, the President and CEO of Operation Homefront, nearly 25% of military families report having less than $500 in emergency savings. This data highlights that military life is fraught with financial pressures, including the costs associated with frequent relocations, disruptions in employment, and the ever-looming expenses of childcare. For these families, even a routine task such as back-to-school shopping can transform into a source of significant stress.

“Through our Back-to-School Brigade and thanks to our generous partners, we're dedicated to alleviating some of that hidden burden,” Reyes stated, emphasizing the importance of the program in providing both material assistance and a supportive community environment.

Community Engagement

Operation Homefront is leveraging the efforts of over 4,000 volunteers nationwide to make this year’s Back-to-School Brigade a success. By fostering community involvement, the organization aims to reassure military families that their sacrifices are recognized and valued. The program not only provides practical support but also helps reinforce vital social connections amidst the often-isolating nature of military life.

One of the key partners supporting this initiative is Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), which has joined as the lead education sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. SNHU has a longstanding commitment to serving military-connected learners by expanding access to high-quality, affordable education. Gina Fedell, AVP of Academic and Military Engagement, emphasized that the university's collaboration with Operation Homefront helps mitigate financial strains for families navigating the complexities of change during the back-to-school season.

Sponsorship and Donations

The supplies that will be distributed through Operation Homefront's initiatives are generously donated by Dollar Tree. Customers at over 9,300 participating Dollar Tree locations can contribute supplies to the Back-to-School Brigade program from July 5 through August 6. Dollar Tree's long-standing partnership with Operation Homefront since 2006 has allowed them to contribute significantly to the needs of military families, having provided over $200 million in support for various programs, including critical financial assistance and housing initiatives.

Jennifer Silberman, Dollar Tree’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, expressed pride in this partnership, stating, “We are committed to helping military families access the resources they need to succeed. Each year, we welcome the opportunity to support our troops by hosting the Back-to-School Brigade drive, encouraging customers to contribute supplies that make a genuine difference.”

A Lasting Impact

Since its inception in 2008, the Back-to-School Brigade has delivered over 630,000 backpacks to military children, cumulatively saving families upwards of $60 million in school supply-related expenses. Additionally, numerous national partners including Food Lion, Goosehead Insurance, Hilton Grand Vacations, Northrop Grumman, and RTX have come together to support this vital initiative.

Operation Homefront epitomizes the spirit of community and resilience, dedicated to improving the financial, social, and emotional health of military families. With continuing support from donors and volunteers, the organization endeavors to ensure that no military family struggles alone.

For more information about the Back-to-School Brigade, visit their website at OperationHomefront.org.