To help you plan your drive and ensure you meet the important Back-to-School Drive deadlines and due dates, here is the timeline for the 2026 Back-to-School Drive:

  • April 8, Wednesday: Drive Leader Registration opens

  • May 6, Wednesday: Back-to-School VGTs Go Live

  • May 13, Wednesday: Drive Leader Training Webinar (optional) 

  • June 1- 5, Monday-Friday: Drive Leader Packet & Box Pickups and Mailings

  • June 17, Wednesday: Priority Volunteer Registration Opens (optional)

  • June 22, Monday: Rolling Community Volunteer Registration Opens (optional)

  • July 27-30, Monday - Thursday: Community Hub Drop-Off Days

  • July 28, Tuesday: Remote Drive Leader Drop-Off (San Francisco)

  • July 29, Wednesday: Remote Drive Leader Drop-Off (Castro Valley)

  • July 30, Thursday: Remote Drive Leader Drop-Off (Palo Alto)

  • September 10, Thursday: Back-to-School Virtual Giving Trees Close