• June 15, 2011

Paige Davis is probably best known to audiences as the host of TLC's "Trading Spaces" and on Broadway in "Chicago" and "Boeing Boeing." But she is also a Volunteers of American board member and spokesperson for Operation Backpack. VOA launches its ninth OB campaign on June 17, running through July 24. Its goal is to collect new backpacks and school supplies for the nearly 11,000 kids living in New York City shelters.

"People from all walks of life come together to ensure these kids start the school year off right," stated Davis, calling the effort "simply inspiring."

Corporations are also pitching in: Every Duane Reade location will accept donations from the public, and dozens of companies will host collection drives. Fed Ex is contributing an entire day of services, on July 25, to collect the donations and deliver them to be sorted and packed.

Last year, Volunteers of America outfitted more than 7,000 homeless children with new, supply-filled backpacks. This year, the aim is to help more than 9,000 children.

"Operation Backpack" has proven so successful that it is now held in VOA locations nationwide -- from California to Delaware. Volunteers of America is one of the nation's oldest and largest human services organizations in the U.S. --Fern Siegel