- July 12, 2025
Michael's 'Ohana is hosting its annual Backpack Back to School drive, partnering with the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Volunteer Network for the second year in a row.
This year, Michael's 'Ohana has a goal to collect 100 new backpacks, according to a press release. For every bag donated, the organization is also donating a new teddy bear to Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Health in honor of Kada's Promise, a program that delivers the stuffed animals and blankets to foster care children, hospitals, homeless and women's shelters throughout the country. The drive will run through July 18.
Gianna Capri, of Michael's 'Ohana, will also e representing Volusia County this month in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the National Miss Elementary America Pageant. In the press release, she said she looks forward to representing her hometown and bringing "Aloha to the State of Florida while honoring my Uncle Mike."
Michael’s ‘Ohana was established in June 2021 after the death of Gianna's uncle Michael Alberico, a long-time resident of Ormond Beach.
"He loved school and back to school shopping," Gianna said. "I will be donating a red backpack, his favorite color to the drive. There are so many students in our community in need of supplies. I really hope we reach our goal of 100 new backpacks!"
The organization has been collecting backpacks and school supplies for foster children in Volusia and Flagler counties since June 2022, and has partnered with Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Health, which reaches close to home for Gianna because of her advocacy for those with special needs. Gianna also has a brother on the autism spectrum.
"The backpack drive is an essential component of the foster care programs we have here at Devereux," said Nicole McAtee, LCSW Service Center director at Devereux Advance Behavioral Health. "It started as a couple backpacks for our older youth in middle or high school. It's grown to support many more children of all ages. Foster homes often need additional support when it comes to supporting the children in their home. We serve foster youth and those in danger of coming into foster care in several programs here at Devereux and Michael's 'Ohana has touched many lives with their ongoing support."
Having the support of a volunteer network like ERAU's has helped Michael's 'Ohana expand its reach in Volusia County, said Jennifer Capri, Gianna's mother.
"The students work extremely hard in all aspects of their community service," she said. "Michael’s ‘Ohana truly appreciates the ERAU Volunteer Networks support."
The ERAU Volunteer Network is a student-led, university-sponsored group which participates in efforts to plan accessible service programming and learning opportunities for students.
“The Volunteer Network continuously strives to support and empower our campus community to make a difference by engaging in causes that positively impact the diversity of the community that surrounds us," said Laura Maeda, ERAU student volunteer. T"he mission of serving those with disabilities as well as supporting the academic achievement of young people is one area that we value — and the reason we are supporting Michael's 'Ohana.”
