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Cooper staff at all levels from more than 50 departments joined together in collecting more than 250 new backpacks filled with school supplies for local children in need.

Through “Operation Backpack,” a partnership between The Cooper Foundation and the Center for Family Services in Camden, Cooper employees purchased backpacks and filled them with back-to-school essentials like pencils, pens, notebooks and calculators.

The drive began with a goal to outfit every needy child in the Cooper Plaza and Lanning Square neighborhoods. Thanks to a suggestion from a Cooper employee, Cooper also was able to donate backpacks to children in Willingboro through the Providence House in Willingboro.

“Cooper employees have heart. Your generosity will make a difference to so many children who will start school this year with school supplies and brand new backpacks,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation.

“Thanks to the tremendous support from Cooper University Hospital employees along with other community partners, we are providing backpacks to more than 5,000 children in need across the community,” said Richard Stagliano, President and CEO of Center for Family Services. “The Operation Backpack drive sends the message that we believe the children in our community can succeed in school.”