Assignment Manager Aug. 19
Contact us to book guests or get more information.
Record-Breaking Operation Backpack® Expands to 20+ States as Families Struggle with Back-to-School Costs
With school supply costs now topping a staggering $850 per household—and new tariffs adding pressure—families in need nationwide are turning to Operation Backpack®, Volunteers of America’s largest-ever back-to-school drive.
In Detroit alone, more than 1,000 families have signed up for the August 13 giveaway at the Detroit Zoo, with 200+ on a waitlist—making it one of the biggest events in the country. There are similar events in Seattle, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Twin Cities, Rochester (NY), Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Maine, and Florida.
Visuals, family interviews, and VOA spokespeople available nationwide. Let us know which region you'd like to cover.
The AI-Powered School Model Growing Across the US
As schools nationwide scramble to adopt AI, Alpha Schools are already years ahead. Founded by Austin mom MacKenzie Price, Alpha was built around adaptive AI from day one—cutting academic time in half while producing top 1–2% performers. Students spend the rest of their day on life skills, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, real-world projects and more.
With a dozen new campuses opening this fall, Alpha is fast becoming the national model to watch. Interviews, b-roll, and school visits available.
Back-to-School Alert: Are Your Kids’ Backpacks Causing Hidden Harm?
Over 70% of students carry backpacks that are too heavy. Dr. Yash Mehta, a sports medicine doctor, warns that overloaded packs can strain young spines, joints, and posture with lasting effects.
He’s available to share practical tips, red flags for parents, and backpack picks that support growing bodies—from kindergarten to college.
National Book Donations to Fill Literacy Gaps
In an effort to reach children growing up in “book deserts,” Volunteers of America is giving away nearly 20,000 books to families with limited access to reading materials.
The goal? To support early literacy and reduce education disparities in underserved communities. Families receiving them are in New York, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Maine, California, Nevada, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Florida, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The books were donated by The Molina Foundation.
Photos, video, and interviews available from participating locations.
Looking for Expert Commentary?
We have speakers available this week on topics including: Tariffs, Business Uncertainty, Education + AI, Philanthropy, Public Policy, Health + Housing and Health & Pain Management.