Why backpacks matter
Backpacks filled with school supplies represent more than just pencils and paper. They represent possibilities. Learn more by clicking the graphic to the right. 
Understanding the cost
At retail, a backpack and supplies can range from $85 (Elementary) to well over $100 (High School). When families can't afford them, classwork and homework often go undone, and by the 3rd grade, their student children are, on average, already two years behind their peers in reading and math.
Join us in bringing Hope and equity into the classroom.
We anticipate that the 2025-26 school year will be challenging for families already living paycheck to paycheck. Our Back-to-School program aims to level the educational playing field while relieving the financial burden for parents. With summer just around the corner, Family Giving Tree is already working on the next school year! This year, we aim to ensure that 30,000 Bay Area students have what they need to start the school year.
Learn more. Read the Back-to-School Community Connections Chronicle.
How can you help?
• Donate—Your generous donations allow us to bulk-purchase gifts and expand our reach (*Learn about our Matching Program!)
• Lead a Drive —Organize your own backpack and school supply drive with your corporation or social club
• Donate a Backpack - Donate a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies. Choose from different styles/colors and grade groups. (Nothing will be shipped to you.)
• Volunteer—Help us sort and prepare backpacks for our recipient schools and nonprofits (registration opens in early June)
• Sponsor—Sponsor the Back-to-School Drive
Like to shop?
Support students by purchasing and donating any or all of the items on this list. Be sure to follow these guidelines.
For drop-off information, click here.
How did our Back-to-School Drive Start?
The Back-to-School drive was launched in 1995 with the goal of closing the educational gap for in-need K-12 students. New backpacks, full of essential, grade-appropriate school supplies, are collected and delivered to Bay Area students through partner schools and agencies, but we still need to do more. See how it works
Interested in learning more about our Holiday Wish Drive? Click here.
