Operation Salute – To School Bash

On Saturday, July 24,2021 the Operation Salute- Back to School Bash was held to honor and give back to active military families by providing backpacks and school supplies to school age children at five First Coast Y.M.C.A branches.  This is a Y.M.C.A of Florida’s First Coast initiative with various community partners.  This year, Knights of Columbus Assembly Mother of Divine Mercy, Assembly 3771 partnered with a $1,000 donation (Specialist – First Class level).

690 backpacks were distributed. 590 were distributed over the five locations and 100 were distributed to the USO to give to selected active duty members’ children. 40 backpacks were distributed at the St. Augustine Y.M.C.A.   Our donation represented 10% of the 690 backpacks distributed.  Due to the uptick in COVID- 19 cases, the event was changed from an indoor event to a drive thru event like last year.

40 Staff members worked the event.  56 volunteers helped sort, stuff and distribute the backpacks.  Vystar Bank had a vendor table.   Our Assembly had representation at the St. Augustine Y.M.C.A. helping distribute the backpacks and T- shirts. 

As a sponsor Assembly 3771 received recognition on banners, posters, T- shirts, printed and internet promotional material. This was a worthwhile experience/ event the Assembly should consider continuing to sponsor as well as involving other Assemblies and Councils in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Distribution of backpacks event is the final step in the 2021 Operation Salute – Back-to-School-Bash.  Assembly 3771 donated $1,000 to be a sponsor of the event.  This was the largest donation made by Assembly 3771 demonstrating our Patriotic commitment to those who serve our country.

A special thank you to Faithful Pilot Robert A. Foss who spear headed this Patriotic, Civic and Community event despite many changes precipitated by COVID-19 surges.

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