As the summer sun sets, stepping into a new school year should feel like a celebration. A fresh start packed with potential, community support and the right tools to succeed. This year, we reteamed with New Balance to expand our annual Operation Backpack initiative, bringing essential supplies, creative programming and pure energy to youth across four major regions anchored by our retail homes: Miami, California, New York and our newest addition, Chicago.
Together, we distributed 750 New Balance backpacks filled with essential school supplies, while hosting localized experience days tailored to empower the next generation. Here is how each city showed up and showed out.
Miami
- Backpacks Distributed: 150
- Community Partner: Girl Power Rocks
In Florida, we reunited with Girl Power Rocks for an intentional day focused on inspiration, self-expression and future-building. The event introduced young women to the power of sisterhood, sorority life and HBCU culture, encouraging them to envision life beyond high school graduation. Throughout the day, participants formed their own micro-sisterhoods and collaborated to design group names, posters, custom merch and unity chants before taking the stage to showcase their collective creativity.
California
- Backpacks Distributed: 200
- Community Partner: Color Compton
Out West, Operation Backpack took on the vibrant energy of an authentic neighborhood block party. Partnering with Color Compton, we brought local students and their families together for a day of celebration. Attendees enjoyed live food stations, activities, complimentary nail painting and fresh haircuts courtesy of local barbers. To make the gear truly their own, artists hosted live spray-painting sessions to personalize each student's backpack with their name.
New York
- Backpacks Distributed: 250
- Community Partner: Children of Promise, NYC
Back in our hometown, we joined forces with Children of Promise to ensure NYC youth stepped into the classroom feeling confident and prepared. Partnering with Shortcut, the event offered complimentary haircuts and nail services to get students launch-ready. Creative workshops let kids construct custom bag charms and design their own socks, mixing self-care with hands-on artistic expression.
Chicago
- Backpacks Distributed: 150
- Community Partner: Guitars Over Guns
We officially expanded Operation Backpack to the Windy City this year, closing out the 2026 tour alongside Guitars Over Guns. The inaugural Chicago event focused on equipping local students with high-quality gear, foundational school supplies, and a strong sense of community backing as they tackle the upcoming academic year.
Four cities, 750 students, and countless moments of connection. Huge thank you to New Balance, our community partners, and everyone who helped make this year’s Operation Backpack our most impactful yet.