Operation Homefront Launches 19th Annual Back-to-School Drive

Relocation cycles, employment disruptions for spouses, and childcare costs frequently collide with the start of the academic year, leaving many service members struggling to cover basic classroom needs. Since the program’s inception in 2008, Operation Homefront has distributed more than 630,000 backpacks, effectively saving military households over $60 million in cumulative expenses.

Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, CEO of Operation Homefront, notes that the initiative aims to alleviate the quiet financial stress families carry during permanent change of station (PCS) moves. This year’s effort relies on a network of corporate partners and community participation. Southern New Hampshire University returns as the lead education sponsor, while Dollar Tree facilitates supply collection at more than 9,300 retail locations from July 5 through August 6. Through two decades of partnership, Dollar Tree has contributed over $200 million in combined cash and in-kind support toward the organization's broader mission of providing housing and financial assistance to veterans and their families.