Department of Homeless Services311Search all NYC.gov websites

DHS Administrator Carter and DSS Commissioner Banks with a VOA volunteer at the Operation Backpack Sort Space Warehouse

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

August 9, 2017

Contact: Arianna Fishman (fishmana@hra.nyc.gov, o: 929-221-5249 c: 646-629-4723)

OPERATION BACKPACK: DSS COMMISSIONER BANKS, DHS ADMINISTRATOR CARTER VISIT SCHOOL SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, FILL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACKS FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS

NEW YORK—On Thursday, August 10, Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks, Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer will attend a tour of Operation Backpack's Sort Space warehouse, where volunteers will be on hand to help Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA-GNY) fill thousands of brand new backpacks with grade-appropriate school supplies, ensuring that every student (pre-K through grade 12) living in NYC homeless and domestic violence shelters is fully prepared for the first day of school.

Operation Backpack, VOA-GNY's community service initiative, now in its 14th year, has provided more than 140,000 homeless students with backpacks and school supplies, ensuring they start the school year with hope and dignity—and without the stigma that may come with being a child in need.

Media interested in attending should RSVP with Arianna Fishman at fishmana@hra.nyc.gov.

What: Tour of the Operation Backpack Sort Space with onsite interview availability for Commissioner Banks and Administrator Carter
When: Thursday, August 10, 2017—9:30AM–10:00AM
Where:

Operation Backpack
Sort Space

Who: Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks
DHS Administrator Joslyn Carter
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
VOA-GNY Vice President of Communications and Operation Backpack founder Rachel Weinstein
VOA-GNY President & CEO Tere Pettitt

 

###