Below are a few guidelines to help you coordinate a successful collection drive!
We have found it is much easier if you ask for specific items. Example: “We are collecting backpacks for boys & girls ages 1- 6”
Make a list of items they can purchase for the backpack. Example: Stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books & crayons, match box cars, nerf footballs, toothbrush & toothpaste
“Baby Packs” are also needed. Foster parents often get calls in the middle of the night and do not have a chance to run out and get items they may need. We can always use diapers, baby wipes, baby blankets, pacifiers, rattles or small toys. We supply draw string pink & blue baby bags. It makes it easy for us to distribute them quickly.
Here is an example to help you get started. Click here!
DROP OFF LOCATIONS:
OPERATION BACKPACK HEADQUARTERS
1000 Sawmill Run Blvd.
The warehouse is directly in front of the Wabash Tunnels on RT 51.
Hours are M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm
ROHRICH TOYOTA
2020 West Liberty Avenue.
2 miles South of the Liberty Tunnels 412-344-6012
Ask for Aggie Podrosky
Hours are M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm
LEXUS OF NORTH HILLS
15025 Perry Highway, Wexford
Phone 724-940-1400 Ask for Kevin Mullen
Hours 8:00 - 9:00 M,T,Th 8-5 W,F,S
JOIN US FOR A BACKPACK STUFFING PARTY!
A few times through out the year, volunteers meet at our office and we organize the donations that have been sent in or dropped off. Once we have items organized, we start filling up backpacks, carefully choosing items based on age groups. This is the fun part of what we do. Getting to see the filled backpacks that will eventually end up in the hands of a child. It won't change their life, but the smile on their face when they get their backpack is priceless!
