YMCA Houston Kicks Off Annual YMCA Operation Backpack School Supply Drive

HOUSTON, TX -- The YMCA of Greater Houston has launched its annual YMCA Operation Backpack initiative to empower local youth. To set up area youth for success, the organization hopes to provide school supplies to 20,000 Houston-area youth. For 18 years, YMCA Operation Backpack has worked to remove barriers within our community and fill youth with hope for a brighter future as they start the school year. The 2022 YMCA Operation Backpack initiative runs July 5 – August 5.

“With the support of caring Houstonians, we believe this initiative will have a profound impact on thousands of lives,” states Stephen Ives, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “By providing the necessary tools to succeed in school, YMCA Operation Backpack opens up a world of possibilities that instills confidence in our youth and inspires them to thrive. With the help of the community, students can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

Partners for YMCA Operation Backpack are ABC-13 and H-E-B. This year’s sponsor is Citgo.

The YMCA of Greater Houston calls on the community to get involved and take action to help ensure every student is equipped to succeed. With approximately 31.2% of children under 18 in Houston living in poverty, the youth in our community need us now more than ever. Last year alone, the YMCA provided school supplies to 30,000 Houston area youth. Each donation empowers students going into the school year and provides the materials they need to be successful.


Below is a list of how contributions can be made to one of the state’s largest back-to-school drives:

• Donate online at ymcaoperationbackpack.org

• Text YMCABACKPACK to 24365 to donate

• Make a donation at your local H-E-B in-store at checkout or online when doing curbside pickup

• Share this campaign with family and friends!

Funds raised through this initiative will directly benefit local youth and be used to purchase supply kits that include packaged school supplies from H-E-B. The YMCA of Greater Houston is a 501©3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible.

To receive more information about eligibility and receiving supplies, please contact your local YMCA.