Operation Backpack: Help others get ready for school

Operation Backpack is collecting school supplies for children in need this summer through August.

The drive has a goal this year of 200 backpacks and $2,500 in donations. Last year, the drive collected 185 filled backpacks and $2,125 in donations.

This year marks the fourth year that the Montclair Community Operation Backpack drive has taken place. 

Donors may download a packing list of supplies, load them into a new backpack, and drop it off at a designated location. 

Backpacks may be dropped off at the following locations, during the following times:

YMCA of Montclair, Park Street Branch
25 Park St.
Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

YMCA of Montclair, Geyer Branch
159 Glenridge Ave.
Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cornerstone Montclair
198 Bellevue Ave.
Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, and to find a supply list for the backpacks, visit the website crowdrise.com/montclair-community-operation-backpack1 and on Facebook – Montclair Community Operation Backpack page or contact Kimya Nilsen at montclairOBP@gmail.com.