Kimberly Petty Photography

Operation Homefront is a non- profit organization that was formed in February 2002. It was developed to support the family members of deployed service members immediately following 9/11. Since then it has evolved to a major non-profit organization serving military families across the country with 23 chapters in 32 states. Its mission is to provide emergency financial and other assistance to service members and wounded warriors through a generous team of staff, volunteers and widespread support. To date they have provided more than $92 million dollars of funding to programs that benefit military families. They recently have teamed up with Dollar Tree to help collect school supplies from Dollar Tree Customers that were given the opportunity to purchase and donate them for the Nationwide Event,  “Back-to-School Backpack Brigade”.

Each year Operation Homefront chapters help military families get their children ready to go back to school by collecting new back packs filled with school supplies for school age children.  This assistance allows families to focus on the other important back to school expenses like new clothes and shoes.  Taking some of the financial pressure off during this important time of year, and also ensures that military kids can begin their school year with pride and confidence.  In 2009 alone, over 19,000 backpacks were provided to military children.

Recently, I have been blessed with a wonderful friend whose family is very active in participating in special events for OH and volunteering their time. She  lead the most recent event  On August 11 2010 as the project coordinator. I joined her with my children in helping stuff about 250 backpacks with a ton of awesome school supplies, then I was able to capture these smiles receiving them at Pensacola NAS, Cory Station. They were all very excited to go back to school.

We are looking forward to the next event being held at the Eglin Youth Center for the  Ft Walton, Hulburt Field and Crestview locations on August 28th from 12-3pm. To all the pre-registered families, I will see you there!

Here is a photo of our wonderful volunteers for the day. Thank you so much to everyone involved!

Please see the slide show below.

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