Why School Supplies Matter More Than You Think
By Mikey J Smith
For many Bay Area families, summer isn't just a time for sunshine and rest—it’s a time of deep financial stress. As the new school year approaches, the cost of getting students classroom-ready becomes yet another burden in an already stretched budget.
At Family Giving Tree, we believe that every child deserves to walk into class confident, prepared, and excited to learn. That’s why our Back-to-School Drive exists—to spark the magic of confidence with something as simple, yet powerful, as a backpack filled with school supplies.
Behind the Backpack: A Look at the Numbers
Despite its wealth, the Bay Area faces staggering inequality. According to the United Way of California’s ALICE report, 27% of Bay Area households struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare. These families fall into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—meaning they earn above the federal poverty line but still don’t make enough to survive in our region.
The reality hits hardest for children:
- In Alameda County, 64.4% of households fall into the ALICE category.
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Statewide, nearly 3.4 million K–12 students—or 59%—are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent students starting the year without notebooks, pencils, or a backpack to call their own.
School Supply Costs Are Out of Reach
In 2023, the National Rertail Federation projected that families would spend an average of $890 per child on school-related expenses. That includes essentials like backpacks, binders, writing supplies, and more.
For many low-income and ALICE families, this is simply unaffordable. As a result, thousands of Bay Area students walk into class unprepared—not because they aren’t eager to learn, but because they don’t have access to the basic tools they need.
Educators know the impact: unprepared students are more likely to feel embarrassed, disengaged, and left behind. It’s not just about missing a pencil—it’s about missing an opportunity to thrive.
Our Goal: 35,000 Students Ready to Succeed
This year, Family Giving Tree is working to provide 35,000 backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies to students across the Bay Area.
These backpacks aren’t generic grab-bags. Each one is assembled using a supply list developed in partnership with educators to ensure students receive age-appropriate, high-quality items—from crayons and composition books to calculators and scientific notebooks.
More than a backpack, we’re delivering confidence, equity, and the belief that every student belongs in the classroom.
How You Can Be Part of the Magic
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Make a Donation: Your gift underwrites the cost of supplies and backpacks for a local student.
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Host a Virtual Drive: Rally your community, in person or online, behind the cause.
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Volunteer at Our Community Hub: Sort and pack backpacks directly—turn your time into transformation.
This summer, join us in spreading the magic of confidence—because every child deserves to begin the school year not just equipped, but empowered.
Together, we can make sure students don’t just show up—they shine.
