Your Help is Needed with "Operation Backpack"

[Mike Oliver]

The Sacramento-area community was more than generous last year – Operation Backpack 2009 exceeded its goal and collected more than 3,000 backpacks. That more
than doubled 2008's figure and demonstrates that even in tough economic
times, children in need command attention.

Latest statistics show that more than 5,000 Sacramento County school children
are "homeless," with some 40,000 living in poverty.

Through Operation Backpack, Volunteers of America provides a variety of support services to
homeless families and their children, including much-needed new
backpacks and school supplies to help young boys and girls in need
reach their full academic potential.

This year, Jack, one of own Little Dragon students has decided to contribute to Operation Backpack by getting our dojo involved, but he needs your help! Jack and his family have set up a collection bin at the front entrance of the Coloma Center to collect any backpacks and school supplies that you can donate. Jack's goal is 20 backpacks, but I think, combined, we can do at least 50!

For more information on Operation Backpack, you can visit the Volunteers of America website. They have a list of needed supplies there as well.

[Shirley (Jack & Ella's Mom)]

Thanks Mr. Oliver! Jack is really excited to be helping other kids this way. We've been packing and labeling back packs for the various age groups on the supply lists. Can't wait to see how many we can donate to the cause as a team. Thanks to everyone in the dojo for helping out!