CSX, Operation Homefront Provide 800 Backpacks for Military Children

Written by Andrew Corselli
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All photos via CSX.

CSX last week joined Operation Homefront to assist and distribute 800 backpacks with essential school supplies to military children in the Fayetteville, N.C., area, as a part of Operation Homefront’s annual Back-to-School Brigade® (BTSB).

“The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a huge toll on military families,” CSX said. “This year, more than ever, these deserving families will benefit from a program that helps offset finances they would normally use for school supplies and allow them to apply their funds to other critical needs. As part of Operation Homefront’s mission to build strong, stable and secure military families, the BTSB program is supported by CSX and its Pride in Service initiative to ensure military families receive the support they need—when and where they need it.”

This year’s BTSB event had a different look relative to past programs to adhere to all federal, state and local COVID-19 guidelines. Backpacks were delivered in a walk-through format with volunteers following CDC guidelines.

The BTSB is Operation Homefront’s nationwide collection of school supplies and backpacks that are distributed to the children of military families as well as to all ranks of wounded, ill or injured veterans and their families. The annual program is sponsored by national partners Dollar Tree and SAIC and during this year’s campaign, Operation Homefront will distribute its 400,000th backpack since 2008, saving military families more than $50 million in back to school expenses.

“Due to the generosity of the CSX Corporation, through their CSX Pride in Service initiative, this program allows us to help these military families deal not only with deployments and the other stresses of military life, but also the economic difficulties shared by all Americans,” said Samantha Martin, Area Manager of Operation Homefront. “Purchasing school supplies is often a big expense for military families. These donated school supplies enhance the morale and the success of our military children, while easing the parent’s financial burden of the back-to-school season which is increasingly important during COVID-19.”

“I am so proud to be a part of CSX, and with Operation Homefront, able to help prepare these kids of military families for the school year,” said Cindy Schild, Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs at CSX. “These brave men and women selflessly defend our country every day. It is an honor to be able to show our support and gratitude.”

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