Our Mission

Operation Bootstrap, established in 1969, is an all-volunteer social service agency unique to Portage County. The organization helps families with basic needs in crisis situations and offers assistance that is not available elsewhere in the community.

Operation Bootstrap is the principal food bank in the county. Almost 600 people a day are eating food provided by Operation Bootstrap. All the help is given through referrals; they come from agencies, halfway houses, pastors, principals and school workers.

No money is spent on administration. Almost 1,000 workers, including the executive director and board members, donate their time. All contributions are used for the needs of our community.