Operation Homefront to Distribute 40,000 Backpacks to Military Families Nationwide

SAN ANTONIO — Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families, announced plans to distribute 40,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children of service members across the country this summer.

The initiative is part of the organization’s 18th annual Back-to-School Brigade®, a program that has provided nearly 600,000 backpacks since its launch in 2008, saving military families more than $60 million in school-related expenses.

“Summer is a time of transition and financial strain for many military families,” said Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, US Navy (Ret.), president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “The Back-to-School Brigade® offers tangible gratitude for their service and sacrifices, while easing the burden of back-to-school costs.”

The program is supported by several corporate partners, including Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), which returns as lead sponsor for the third consecutive year. SNHU has also awarded full tuition scholarships to military spouses through its partnership with Operation Homefront.

Dollar Tree, a longtime supporter, is collecting school supply donations at more than 8,000 stores nationwide through August 7. Other national sponsors include Academy Sports + Outdoors, Hilton Grand Vacations, Food Lion, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Town House® Crackers, and the Tractor Supply Foundation.

“Each year, we proudly host the Back-to-School Brigade® collection drive to help military families start the school year strong,” said Jennifer Silberman, Chief Sustainability and Impact Officer at Dollar Tree.

Operation Homefront provides a range of services to military families, including financial assistance, housing, and family support programs. The organization reports that 83% of its expenditures go directly to programs that benefit tens of thousands of families annually.

For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.