Providing Local Kids with Essential Supplies
Backpack Blessings provides nutritious meals to students each Friday to reduce weekend hunger and help prepare for Monday's learning in the classroom.
Supported through a partnership with schools, volunteers, grants and individual donors, Backpack Blessings serves children throughout each school year.
Walker County & Chickamauga City
Walker County & Chickamauga City
Chattanooga Valley Elementary & Middle
Cherokee Ridge Elementary
Chickamauga Elementary
Gilbert Elementary
Gordon Lee Middle
LaFayette Middle
Naomi Elementary
North LaFayette Elementary
Rossville Elementary & Middle
Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle
Battlefield Elementary
Lakeview Middle - Link@The Y
Rock Spring Elementary
Tiger Creek Elementary
West Side Elementary
YMCA Afterschool Programs
YMCA Afterschool Programs
YMCA at Cherokee Ridge Elementary
YMCA at Rock Spring Elementary
YMCA at Rossville Elementary
YMCA at Saddle Ridge Elementary & Middle
YMCA at Tiger Creek
YMCA at West Side
Link@The Y
Directions for Volunteers:
Volunteers meet at the Walker County Advancing Education Center.
Enter the building at the lower parking lot closest to Highway 27. Park in the upper parking lot and enter at the main entrance. We meet in the "Hard Work Cafe" (first meeting room down the hall on the left).
Backpack Blessings Meal & Delivery Schedule
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the YMCA. We encourage all volunteers to RSVP ahead of time so we can prepare to greet you when you arrive.
To RSVP:
706-935-2226
hungerfree@ymcachattanooga.org
Our Impact
Backpack Blessings 2025
More Ways to Support Backpack Blessings:
Run for a Blessing: October 13 – December 12, 2025
A 60-day virtual run or walk open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're logging laps at the park or steps around your neighborhood, you’ll be joining a movement that’s making a difference for hungry children in our community.
Toothbrush Collection Drive:
Our toothbrush drive is underway now! Please donate toothbrushes for our Dec. 16 meal pack.
Deliver toothbrushes to the following locations:
North Georgia Community YMCA at Fort Oglethorpe UMC
Walker County Advancing Education Center
Walker County Schools Central Office
Holiday Cards:
We are in need of volunteers to help color holiday cards for our December meal pack. If you have a group that would like to participate, please reach out to the North Georgia Y. We need 700 cards completed by Dec. 12.
The YMCA has the cards printed — we just need your artistry!
Have Questions?
Contact hungerfree@ymcachattanooga.org
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