Sovereign Global Advisors joined Operation Backpack in its effort to collect grade-specific school supplies for NYC children living in homeless and domestic violence shelters. Thousands of children rely on the program every year which draws donations and volunteers from around the city. After weeks of stocking up on specifically requested school items, President and CEO, John Dragotta, along with help from a few Sovereign Global Advisors reps, took a journey over to Manhattan’s west side to hand deliver the boxes of supplies. As typical with Dragotta though, just dropping the items off would never be enough, so within minutes, after some kind introductions, Dragotta’s sleeves were rolled up and the Sovereign team was actively in the mix. “Operation Backpack has made it possible for a child who has unfortunately been through some tough circumstances, hopefully feel no different than their classmates while at school. I am more than happy to have been able to help with this.” stated Mr. Dragotta.

A large warehouse-like room filled with boxes and supplies had become the embodiment of a hopeful start to a new school year, where over 18,000 boys and girls can thrive socially and academically. The program has collected over 80,000 filled backpacks since it first began in 2001. More than 22,000 children live in NYC’s homeless and domestic violence shelters. One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the impact it has on a child's education. Each year since 2001, Volunteers of America-Greater New York has been distributing new backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies to homeless children.

A filled backpack relieves parents of a financial burden and provides a sense of normalcy to the otherwise chaotic lives of these children, helping them to look and feel more like their classmates. Most importantly, a filled backpack allows these children to start the school year feeling prepared and confident, with the knowledge that their education is important and that someone believes in them. For more information or to donate, please visit Operation Backpack online.

At Sovereign Global Advisors, we look for success in a very crowded financial field by applying our experience from investing in opportunities around the world as well as managing portfolios for corporations and high-net worth families. Sovereign looks to assist not only our clients with their investment needs but also our passion to finding opportunities, similar to this one above mentioned, in order to contribute to our community as often as possible. For more information on Sovereign’s services and philanthropy efforts, please visit our philanthropy page.