Operation Backpack seeks to address needs of Southern WV students

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Operation Backpack is once again collecting school supplies for students in need throughout multiple counties in Southern West Virginia.

For more than twenty-five years, Cindy Parker has served as coordinator for Operation Backpack, a church-and-community-based initiative which has provided backpacks and other school supplies to students in need throughout the Southern West Virginia region.

“It started out with a project for my youth group back in the day,” Parker tells LOOTPRESS of the program, which now serves students in four counties throughout the region. “The need is still great, and this year we’re doing over 1,000 [backpacks].”

Backpacks and supplies are sorted to accommodate the needs of students in a range of age groups, such as pre-k, elementary, middle, and high school. Through these essential supplies, Operation Backpacks seeks to help equip students who are less fortunate or who may not have been provided the same opportunities as some of their peers.

“The kids have no control of what environment they live in or what resources their family has,” Parker continues. “You see how it’s so precious to kids.”

This year’s collection will be the last as coordinator for Parker, who will be stepping down from the role after decades of providing support and assistance for West Virginia students.”

“I’m going to miss doing this program myself because I’ve gotten so much reward and so many blessings in helping others that really can’t help themselves, she explains. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about prestige. God says to help others, and that’s what we’re doing.”

Operation Backpack will continue to collect supplies for the 2024-2025 school year through the month of August. Supplies needed include pencils, crayons, paper, binders, erasers, highlighters, markers, folders, rulers, pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, bottled glue, and more.

Some locations in the Raleigh County area which are currently accepting donations for Operation Backpack include Melton Mortuary, Central Pup Grooming Service , Valley College, City National Bank and Bill Straub State Farm on Eisenhower, Beckley News, City Slickers on Johnstown Road, Body Works, and Premier Pharmacy.

Additional information on the Operation Backpack initiative, including how to get involved and supplies currently needed, can be found at the Operation Backpack Facebook page .