Collier Woman 'Backpacks' for Others, Awarded for Volunteerism

Sometimes, a backpack is so much more than something to carry to school.

Kelly Rohrich and Ellen Thomeier, both of Collier Township, have been proving this true since 2005. The women founded the Operation Backpack Children's Foundation for Allegheny County, and in June, Rohrich received the Priddy Award for her efforts.

“We wanted to fill the gap and needs that state funding simply can't cover for children in foster care,” Rohrich said. “Things like teddy bears, matchbox cars, and Hello Kitty pajamas are added to the backpacks. We don't think we are changing the world, but we are making kids smile.”

The goal of Operation Backpack is to spread awareness, prevent child abuse and help children to have the supplies they need for school. The organization supplies 100 backpacks each month to children in foster care in Allegheny County.

The Priddy Award is presented each year to an outstanding volunteer making a difference for those served by Familylinks, Inc., a nonprofit human services agency located in Banksville.

Operation Backpack also provides backpacks filled with school supplies and fun items for children housed in Familylinks’ emergency shelters. The organization also donates gifts for annual shelter holiday parties, which are organized by Familylinks volunteer Kelli Priddy, for whom the award is named.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of Kelly and the entire Operation Backpack team,” said Familylinks CEO Frederick A. Massey in a released statement. “Their efforts have made a true difference in the lives of the many children we serve each year.”

For more information about Operation Backpack Children's Foundation, click here. For more information about Familylinks, see the Familylinks website.