As the countdown to the new school year begins, military families in the Las Vegas valley are receiving a helping hand from Operation Homefront's Back-to-School Brigade. Participating families had the opportunity to pick up a complimentary backpack filled with school supplies to prepare their children for the upcoming academic challenges. "Each family here has registered military children," Amanda Castilliano, the organization's senior regional operations manager, told 8 News Now. The support extended further than just stationary, as children also received a supply kit and a gift card for additional school necessities.
Military parents, including Jax Leichty's mother, Brigeda, expressed their gratitude for the program. She voiced to 8 News Now that the support acts "like a weight lifted off the shoulders," ensuring preparedness for her child and others. Jax Leichty, one of the children who benefited from the event, looks forward to "meeting new friends and helping them do assignments." Similar sentiments were echoed by Matthew and Julia Purvis, another military family who found the initiative both appreciative and beneficial for the military community.
The success of the Back-to-School Brigade is longstanding, with almost 600,000 backpacks distributed nationwide to the children of service members. According to Operation Homefront's website, the program has become a crucial resource, offering high-quality backpacks and ensuring that children are equipped for success in the classroom. The program doesn't just stop at backpacks; it includes all the essentials such as pencils, paper, and other vital school supplies.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the program's continued success. With contributions from partners like Dollar Tree Inc. and Southern New Hampshire University, Operation Homefront has extended its reach, impacting more military families each year. The organization emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, as they are instrumental in providing effective support programs to those in need. If interested in lending a hand, the organization invites potential volunteers and partners to visit their website or reach out to their Development Team for more information on how to contribute.
