The 2017 Backpack Challenge kicked off in front of City Hall on Tuesday, July 25th. The event featured remarks from VYH CEO Tom Harrington, Department of Human Services Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa, with keynote speaker Sean Brace, a Fox29 sports host and founder of PhillyInfluencer.com. The kickoff was emcee’d by Mina SayWhat and was featured by 6ABC and KYW News.

The Backpack Challenge collects school supplies for youth in foster care in Philadelphia, and is made possible through a strong partnership between Valley Youth House, the Department of Human Services, iHeartRadio, and Five Below. There are over 50 collection sites throughout the Philadelphia region, and donations are also accepted through VYH’s online drive.

Donations will be accepted at collection sites through August 18th, and the online drive closes August 12th. Come see the youth receive their backpacks at the Closing Ceremony on August 22nd, from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts!