YMCA of Greater Houston announces 22nd annual Operation Backpack kickoff

Officials with the YMCA of Greater Houston is launching the 22nd year of Operation Backpack, an initiative aimed at providing school-aged children with necessary school supplies.

The big picture

Serving roughly 30,000 community members across the Houston area, the annual backpack collecting and distribution event is kicking off ahead of the 2026-27 school year, YMCA officials announced in a July 10 news release.

"Every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling prepared and excited to learn," Stephen Ives, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston, said. "With YMCA Operation Backpack, our goal is to remove barriers that stand in the way of a child's success, so every student has the opportunity to connect and thrive. We’re grateful for the volunteers, donors and community partners whose generosity makes this effort possible.”

In order to participate, individuals can drop off new, unused backpacks at any of the 14 locations in the Greater Houston area through August 1.

What else?

YMCA officials said the public can also help with donating school supplies and donating to after school programs online. Once backpacks have been collected, a number of distribution events are scheduled that volunteers can assist with by registering with the respective YMCA location.