Freedom Mortgage and USO Launch 13th Annual Back-to-School Campaign Making a Difference for Military Children Nationwide

Boca Raton, Fl – July 1, 2025 – Freedom Mortgage, one of the largest, full-service, independent mortgage companies, and a top Veterans Administration (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lender in the U.S., kicks off its annual Rucksacks to Backpacks fundraising campaign today in proud partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO), providing necessary school supplies for many children of active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists. Now in its 13th year, funds raised through the campaign support critical USO programs and services, including Rucksacks to Backpacks, which enables children in grades K–8 to pick the school supplies they need at distribution events at various USO Centers across the country.

The Rucksacks to Backpacks fundraising campaign runs through July 31. The company welcomes anyone to join in and make an online donation.

"This program is a proud tradition at Freedom Mortgage, as it strengthens our ongoing commitment to those who serve, along with their families," said Stanley C. Middleman, president and CEO of Freedom Mortgage. "We're thankful to the USO for giving us this opportunity to give back each year and help ensure that, across the country, many military families and their children will be well prepared for the upcoming school year."

Over the years, Freedom Mortgage has donated over 35,000 backpacks and more than 70,000 school supply items, including pens, notebooks, and folders for military children.

The Rucksacks to Backpacks program benefits military children across the U.S. in locations such as Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. USO centers will distribute back-to-school supplies locally around the United States this July and August to help meet the needs of military families with children.

"We are grateful to Freedom Mortgage for their support and partnership with the USO," said Ben Leslie, USO chief development officer. "This program brings great joy to military kids and families across the United States and helps them get ready for a new school year."

View a short video that features this year's fundraiser, along with highlights from last year's Rucksacks to Backpacks program.

Freedom Cares provides Freedom Mortgage employees, family members, friends, and customers with opportunities to support their local communities, as well as veterans and those currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military and their families. For more information, visit TeamFreedomCares.org.

About the USO

The USO is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been by the side of service members throughout their military service. Impactful support is provided through our 250+ locations around the world, a robust care package delivery program, entertainment, military spouse and youth programming, and much more, all made possible by dedicated donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and staff. To learn more and support our critical mission around the globe, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Freedom Mortgage

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Freedom Mortgage is an independent mortgage company that provides mortgage loans through retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels. One of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage lenders and servicers, the company is licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Freedom Mortgage is a top VA and FHA (government-insured) lender in the U.S. (Inside Mortgage Finance, January–September, 2024), and is one of the mortgage industry's largest philanthropic supporters of the USO. The company is also renowned for its vibrant work environment, where all team members can thrive. Earlier this year, Freedom Mortgage was honored, for the fifth year in a row, as a Top Workplaces USA. Freedom Mortgage's mission is to foster homeownership for all consumers across America. Freedom Mortgage, Lender NMLS ID: 2767. Equal Housing Opportunity. For more information, visit FreedomMortgage.com.