The Redskins Blog

Donate To Operation Backpack Tonight

Tonight’s preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is far from just a final opportunity for some of the players on the Redskins to show their worth before final roster cuts are made.

It’s also your final opportunity as fans to donate school supplies for one of the best causes around.

The Redskins Charitable Foundation and Volunteers of America Chesapeake have joined forces to support ‘Operation Backpack,’ an initiative that collects and distributes backpacks filled with school supplies to children living in homeless shelters throughout the Washington, D.C., metro area.

‘Operation Backpack’ began in late July with a big push during the Redskins’ training camp in Ashburn, Va., and is running through next week.

“One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on children’s education,” said President/CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Russell Snyder. “The goal of Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Operation Backpack is to ensure that the homeless children we serve return to school prepared to be successful.”

Backpacks, school supplies and/or monetary donations can be dropped off at tonight’s game at FedExField. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

By donating to ‘Operation Backpack,’ Redskins fans will help the Chesapeake affiliate reach their goal of collecting 500 backpacks and raising $10,000 to support the homeless children served throughout the region and best prepare them for academic success in the upcoming school year.

Suggested items to donate are as listed:

- Backpack
- Loose-leaf Paper (Wide Rule)
- 2-Pocket Folders
- Composition Notebook
- Spiral Notebooks
- Black Pens
- Large Pink Eraser
- No. 2 Pencils
- Pencil Box/Case
- Ruler
- Glue Stick
- Box of Crayons
- Pad of Drawing Paper
- Box of Washable Markers
- Handheld Pencil Sharpener
- Box of Colored Pencils
- 5-Inch Safety Scissors
- Facial Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer