South Montgomery County YMCA announces new Operation Backpack collection site

Pictured from left to right: Teena Sandberg Houston Marketing Rep, Fever, The ER Dog, Stephanie Garcia, Angela Garcia, Rachel Schaffer, Andrew Odinga, Kristen Edwards, Y Guy.

First Choice Emergency Room has been selected as this year's collection site for Operation Backpack.

Now through Aug. 12, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect new backpacks filled with school supplies and distribute them to children in 31 Houston school districts. The program was developed by the South County YMCA.

"First Choice Emergency Room is pleased to work with Operation Backpack and support our local communities," said Teena Sandberg, field marketing manager for the Houston Region, in a press release. "We are committed to providing top-quality emergency care and this provides us another way to thank our patients for their support."

According to a press release, the school supply drive has set a goal to help more than 45,000 Houston area children this year, and 38 YMCAs, local churches and other community organizations are partnering together to collect thousands of backpacks and school supplies for underprivileged children.

"With the current state of the economy, many parents just don't have the money to buy the supplies their kids need to start the new school year off right", said Mark Cochran, Center executive director, in a release. "Many willing hearts are needed to assist with this project. Your investment provides these children the opportunity to start school with the resources they need to be successful."

For more information on Operation Backpack, including drop-off locations for supply donations, visit ymcaoperationbackpack.org or call 281-367-9622.