News
RXR Supports Operation Backpack 2011 For Thousands of NYC’s Homeless Children
RXR Realty’s 1330 Avenue of the Americas was the site for Volunteers of America’s (VOA) OPERATION BACKPACK 2011, their 9th annual drive to collect brand-new backpacks and school supplies for the thousands of children living in New York City shelters. The entire fourth floor of the building was donated to VOA as the headquarters for all deliveries, sorting, packing and distribution of the grade specific school supplies to be distributed to children in shelters across the city in time for the start of the school year.
“As a company we are committed to giving back to our local communities so we are truly delighted to help support Operation Backpack 2011,” said William Elder, RXR Realty’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director, New York City. “Being able to provide the space for the Volunteers of America to assemble thousands of backpacks for so many deserving children was a real privilege “
One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on a child’s education. Many would face the start of school in September without basic school supplies if not for Operation Backpack. Relieving their parents of yet another financial burden, the program raises public awareness about the needs of homeless families and the impact homelessness has on a child’s education.
Paige Davis, well-known host of TLC’s Trading Spaces and seasoned stage actor (Broadway’s Chicago and Boeing Boeing), is a VOA Board Member and spokesperson for Operation Backpack. She was at the media day event at 1330 Avenue of the Americas, along with VOA volunteers, children and parents who benefited from the program, Mitchel Grant, representative for RXR Realty.
Rachel Weinstein, Vice-President/Chief Communications Officer of Volunteers of America-Greater New York, speaks of the importance of the program and the reasons for its success. “Operation Backpack works because it gives everyone in the community the opportunity to help these children in need. Anyone can get involved. Individual donors and volunteers provide money and collect supplies and backpacks – companies and other community partners hold drives and provide major in-kind support – so these children will be able to begin school looking and feeling more like their housed classmates.”