More than 100 people representing 35 companies came together this past July with one goal: to help students start the school year prepared.

Together, NAI Ohio Equities and its partners raised nearly $12,000 and filled 275 backpacks for Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana’s Operation Backpack, the latest milestone in an annual effort that began with 50 backpacks in 2022.

The story, however, begins years before the first backpack was filled.

“We’ve helped them find retail locations all over Ohio in addition to representing them in the sale of their office and relocation to a new space, so we’ve worked with the organization for many years,” explained Jenna Loxterman, senior marketing coordinator and event chair.

When the newly formed Community Engagement Committee sought ideas for opportunities to give back to the community, Operation Backpack naturally rose to the top.

“Many of us are buying supplies for our kids, and don’t even think twice about it. When you stop and think about the families that are having to choose between supplies and basic necessities, it really hits home,” said Loxterman.

“But knowing we could help change that, that’s what really makes this special,” she added.

In 2023, we raised the bar and hosted our first Pancake Breakfast at our downtown Columbus office, inviting clients, vendors and others in our network to join the effort. Approximately 100 backpacks were filled that year—twice the number collected the year before.

And the momentum continued.

As more people became involved, the impact grew with them. Clients and vendors became sponsors, attended the breakfast and donated supplies, helping the event grow year after year.

We set a goal of 150 backpacks in 2024 and increased it to 250 in 2025. This year, there were more than a dozen sponsors and donors across our network who helped to fill 275 backpacks.

Looking ahead, Loxterman said expanding sponsor support and attendance will be a priority. And though she doesn’t want the goal to become unreasonable, she secretly hopes for 300 backpacks in 2027.

While 275 backpacks make the results easy to see, considerably more happens before the first pancake is served. Planning begins months in advance with a team that works to make it happen behind the scenes.

The event involves everything from coordinating sponsorships, photography and event promotion to shopping. Lots of shopping.

“To put the scale into perspective, our team made roughly 30 shopping trips and online orders to gather everything needed to fill 275 backpacks,” she said.

As the event continues to grow, Loxterman is equally clear about what she doesn't want to change: its focus on the children and families it supports.

“My hope is that we can maintain the intimacy and camaraderie of the event as it is today. There’s a real sense of purpose and togetherness that you can feel. It’s one of those efforts that brings everyone together in the best way, and not just to each other, but to the community and the kids we’re supporting. It reminds us that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Loxterman.

That sense of connection is part of why Operation Backpack resonates with those who support it each year.

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana works with an array of partners including VOA Family Services, the Fresh Start Recovery Center and other organizations such as the YMCA, local libraries and Boys and Girls Clubs, to identify families in need.

This year, the organization will help thousands of students start the new school with the supplies they need, including nearly 2,000 students in Central Ohio alone.

For Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, the familiar excitement of back-to-school season provides a reminder of why that support matters.

“There’s something special about back-to-school season that takes us all back. We remember our own backpacks, fresh notebooks, and brand-new pencils, and the excitement of starting a new school year. The Pancake Breakfast brings those memories to life while reminding us how meaningful it is to come together and support local students and families in our community,” said Nicole Knowlton, chief development & communications officer at Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana.

The number of backpacks may continue to grow, but the purpose remains the same.

What began as an opportunity to support a longtime client has become an annual tradition powered by employees, clients, vendors, sponsors and donors who continue to show up year after year.

Behind every backpack is a student preparing for another school year with a bit more confidence, hope and readiness.

And that's why this tradition is about more than pancakes.