Help Katy School Children by Contributing to Operation Backpack

For the fifth consecutive year, “YMCA Operation Backpack” joins the forces of 38 YMCAs, local churches and other partners to touch the lives of tens of thousands of Houston area children and families this school year.

Thousands of school supplies will be collected for children who might otherwise go back to school unprepared.

Through Aug. 16, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies and distribute them to children in 31 Houston area school districts.

The 38 YMCA of Greater Houston facilities throughout the city, including the Katy YMCA, will serve as collection sites for backpacks and supplies.

“With the challenging state of the economy right now, many parents just don’t have the money to buy the supplies their kids need to start the new school year,” said Beth Strand, Katy Family YMCA Marketing Director. “Operation Backpack pulls everyone together to help children in our communities.”

Donations will be accepted at the Katy Family YMCA located at 22807 Westheimer Parkway.  Listed below include additional locations where collection boxes are available for quick donation drop offs.

The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch
22765 Westheimer Parkway

Tradition Bank (all three Katy locations)
1515 South Grand Parkway
2117 Fry Road
550 Pin Oak Road

Houston Community College Katy Campus
1550 Foxlake Drive

The school supplies will be distributed to children in the Katy Independent School District. Also, more than 60 parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will join the YMCA Operation Backpack team by collecting backpacks and school supplies at nearly 100 sites.

Donating is easy!  Simply purchase a new backpack for an elementary or middle school student, and fill the backpack with these recommended supplies.  Then, write a note of encouragement for the child and place it in the backpack.

1 package of pens, 1 package of pencils
1 pencil sharpener
1 eraser
1 24-pack of crayons or 8 pack of markers or colored pencils
1 12” ruler
1 child safety scissors
2 folders
2 spiral notebooks
1 one –inch wide binder
1 glue bottle or glue stick
1 roll of tape
1 package ruled looseleaf 8-1/2 X 11 paper (wideruled)

If you cannot purchase the backpack or all of the items listed below, contribute what items you can to the Katy Family YMCA or to the other Katy area donation sites.

For more information about Operation Backpack, contact 713-353-5209 or email ymcaoperationbackpack@ymcahouston.org.