Free Backpacks, School Supplies, Zoo Tickets and More Available to Metro Detroit Students in Need Through Operation Backpack

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (July 15, 2025)— Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI), a metro Detroit nonprofit agency specializing in providing critical services, shelter and food for veterans, affordable housing for aging seniors, and supportive services for struggling families, is announcing the return of its annual Operation Backpack campaign with this year’s Backpacks 4 You at the Detroit Zoo event providing metro Detroit children in need with essential school supplies and, new this year, a few fun surprises. With more than 900 metro Detroit students in need who have already signed up, Volunteers of America Michigan expects to give away more than 1,200 backpacks directly to community members, in addition to another 1,000 that will be distributed through school district partners. Each backpack will be stuffed with new school supplies, two free tickets to The Detroit Zoo (valid for up to a year), a complimentary haircut from Douglas J, and books provided by Molina Healthcare. The program is honor-system based with no strings attached, but registration is required and families must sign up in advance at www.voami.org/operationbackpack to reserve their backpack and a scheduled pickup timeslot to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone. The backpack distribution event will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the entrance to The Detroit Zoo located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (no zoo entry required to receive your backpack). Backpack donations are still needed.

Volunteers of America Michigan President and CEO Aubrey Macfarlane said,

“Programs like these are vital for our community as approximately 1 in 5 children in Michigan start school without the supplies they need, and lack of supplies can lead to missed assignments, low self-esteem, and lost opportunities. Operation Backpack gives kids what they need to start school strong, feel confident and succeed.”

How to Get Involved:

Need a Backpack:

Register at Operation Backpack – VOA Michigan
Must be submitted by a legal guardian for children living in their household
Group signups not allowed via form (email opbk@voami.org for group coordination)

Donate:

VOAMI will continue to accept school supplies and financial donations throughout the duration of the campaign as the need for backpacks may surpass the number available
To donate contact opbk@voami.org

For more information, visit voami.org/operationbackpack or email opbk@voami.org

About Volunteers of America Michigan

Volunteers of America Michigan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, specializes in providing critical services, shelter and food for veterans, affordable housing for aging seniors, and supportive services for struggling families, and operates six Thrift Stores in Michigan. For over 125 years, they have been empowering veterans, seniors, and families across the state of Michigan. Their work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those they serve, integrating their deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. To learn more, visit www.voami.org.