2026 Backpack Program in full swing

The annual Salvation Army 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program (or, simply, the backpack drive) takes place in two phases:  a collection phase in which we ask the Omaha-Council Bluffs community to donate school supplies, and a distribution phase in which we give away backpacks stuffed with school supplies to families in need — so that every child goes back to school prepared.

The collection phase goes through August 3.  Our thanks go out to media partner KETV — and all the companies partnering on the drive as collection points:  Methodist Urgent Care, Cubby's Convenience Stores, and Metro Credit Union.  Thanks, too, to Firefighters on the Move for providing logistical support to this year's drive.  We are so grateful for this metro-wide team effort!

The distribution phase takes place on August 7 and 8 at three locations around Omaha. 

For information on the places where you can donate school supplies – or for information on when and where you can pick up a backpack at a distribution event — please click here.