Backpacks, Ice Cream & a Strong Start: 2025 School Supply Giveaway at WACO

On Saturday, August 2, Operation Veteran & Caregiver Support hosted our 4th annual School Supply Giveaway at the WACO Air Museum in Troy, Ohio—and what a day it was!

Nearly 100 local children received free school supplies to help them start the academic year prepared and confident. Families gathered in the shade of the historic red barn, where volunteers handed out everything from notebooks and pencils to folders, glue sticks, and crayons. To top it all off, each child was treated to a sweet ice cream surprise—a reward for braving the August heat and a celebration of the new school year ahead.

One of our favorite parts of the day was made possible by two remarkable young people: Sayrenity and Levi. These two kids spent their summer running a lemonade stand, using a portion of their proceeds to support local military families by buying backpacks for us to give away. Their dad Tim went above and beyond, building a custom lemonade stand that we raffled off to raise money for the event. We drew the winner after we had passed out all of our supplies, and it was delivered to Cindy Parke.

As always, this event prioritized military and veteran families, helping ease the financial burden of back-to-school season. At Operation Veteran & Caregiver Support, we believe in showing up for our families—not just in times of need, but in the joyful everyday moments that build stability and connection.

We are grateful to our volunteers for making this event possible, and to the WACO Air Museum for letting us use such a historic setting.

Here’s to a school year full of learning, laughter, and continued community care! For more information on ways that we are helping the community, you can check out our Community Help page by clicking here. If you want to get involved, you can find out some ways you can help us give back by clicking here!