Each fall, we survey our partner schools to determine if the supplies provided meet current needs and if other supplies should be included or removed. If needed, we adjust the supply list by grade level accordingly.
All backpacks must be new and appropriately sized for the student's needs (minimum height of 15” - 19”). We generally do not accept red, blue, or turquoise backpacks. Many of the schools we partner with ask that certain colors be avoided due to the serious issue of gang affiliation with specific colors. While we will accept donations of new corporate logo backpacks, we prefer to distribute backpacks in colors and patterns that leave the students with an excited and joyful first impression.
Donors drop backpacks off at designated public drop-off locations or to their group’s designated drop-off area if they are with a company or organization that is signed up to participate in the Back-to-School Drive. Designated Drive Leaders drop the donations off to FGT at our main South Bay warehouse or one of our remote drop-off locations at the end of July, and we take the time and effort to check every backpack we receive. We empty each backpack and inventory the supplies to ensure that each contains all the items on the supply list. If one or two are missing, we can add the item(s) to assure that each student receives the same as every other to avoid what we call “backpack envy.”
Yes! We use these extra items to put together additional supply-filled backpacks to help fill the community gap. All donated backpacks and supplies we receive are distributed. Each year we have a waiting list of schools to which we can provide backpacks if we receive more than planned.
