[caption id=“attachment_11345” align=“aligncenter” width=“468”]Ashley Sibinski, 10, looks through her new backpack Aug. 2 during the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s Operation Back-to-School event at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Photo by TD Jackson/Courtesy of the Belvoir Eagle Ashley Sibinski, 10, looks through her new backpack Aug. 2 during the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s Operation Back-to-School event at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Photo by TD Jackson/Courtesy of the Belvoir Eagle[/caption]

The USO - with a big assist from its donors and partners - is helping children from military families across the world get back to school in style. Here are a few recent stories:

USO Fort Hood, Operation Homefront Team to Help Texas Kids Get a Strong Start

Children from military families from kindergarten through high school received a free backpack containing grade-appropriate school supplies Saturday during a USO/Operation Homefront event at Fort Hood, Texas. Operation Homefront provided the backpacks while the USO hosted a bingo competition, sponsored a raffle and distributed snacks, according to the Killeen (Texas) Daily Herald.

“It’s a little extra something" USO Fort Hood Interim Director Isabell Hubbard told the Daily Herald. “This falls in line with all the family programs we offer. It’s one more USO moment to create.”

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Kmart’s Donation Helps USO of Central Florida Get School Supplies to Kids

With time running short and funding absent, Kmart of Brandon, Florida, came through for the USO by providing $1,000 to buy school supply kits for children of local military families. The Tampa Tribune said Brandon Kmart Manager Tim Burton facilitated the donation when he heard kids of families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, needed a hand:

“[USO of Central Florida Vice Chairwoman Mary Zolna] had contacted me in regards to supporting them with school supplies for the base,” Burton told the Tribune. “Apparently they had lost funding and had a short window to make all of this happen. I reached out to my district manager, Jeffrey Nanace, and my regional vice president, William Ellis, who did not hesitate in authorizing me to accommodate the USO’s needs. Mary came in and we were able to get everything they needed.”

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore Provides Backpacks, Educational Games

Earlier this month, the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore handed out an array of back-to-school items at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Kids ages 5 to 12 had to earn their backpack, according to the Belvoir Eagle, by participating in three learning stations.

“Every little bit helps, especially since we are a one income home,” Sgt. Christopher Sleep of 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade, told the Eagle. “So, this helps for sure.”

… And if You Missed It, Here’s Our Take on How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Check out our 10-step guide on how to save cash when looking for back-to-school supplies.