The Back-to-School Drive Virtual Giving Tree
Each year, the Back-to-School Drive Virtual Giving Tree (VGT) hosts grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-12 backpacks filled with school supplies and school supply packs that can be funded for one or more students. It allows us to fulfill our mission of connecting those with the capacity to give with those in need while bringing equity into classrooms.
When you give through the Virtual Giving Tree, you're doing more than donating a high-quality backpack filled with the grade-appropriate school supplies students need—you're ensuring they’ll have the opportunity to do their work well and start the school year with hope and confidence.
VGT FAQs
How does FGT make the donation amount for a filled backpack and supply packs so reasonable?
We leverage our bulk purchasing power. Family Giving Tree purchases backpacks and supplies through our partner wholesalers at very affordable prices. We then incorporate the operational costs associated with preparing and distributing the Back-to-School program donations in the final cost of the item on the VGT.
What are these other costs that my donation via the VGT covers?
Your donation for each backpack and supply pack on the VGT covers the following and more.
Quality Assurance: Every backpack purchased is high quality and designed to last the year. We purchase backpacks with padded straps and backs to ensure they are comfortable for students. We also purchase size-appropriate backpacks based on the grade groups to ensure each student receives the size that best suits their needs.
Logistics and Operational Costs: Backpack and school supply values on the VGT cover the costs of running the Back-to-School Drive. These include identifying the need, sourcing suppliers, purchasing and receiving goods, generating materials such as tags and collection boxes to support donation drive activities, and ensuring sufficient staff and real estate resources are in place for backpack processing and distribution.
Year-Round Organizational Support: A portion of the costs maintains year-round activities and resources required to develop and implement FGT’s year-round strategy to ensure we provide support where it’s needed most. This includes being responsible stewards of the time, talent, and treasures received on behalf of those we serve. As coordinators to hundreds of Drive Leaders, partners to hundreds of agencies and schools, and guides to thousands of volunteers each year, we nimbly manage as a staff of 20 to make the magic happen in workspaces that may change from season to season. All of the required planning and logistics wouldn’t be possible without your funding support.
Your Gift is More Than Backpack and Supplies—It’s Hope
Donating through the Virtual Giving Tree creates joyful moments for students who might otherwise begin the first day of school with no supplies at all. It also helps ease the financial strain that most of the families we serve face daily.
"The gift my daughter received was exactly what she wanted. It brought tears to my eyes to see her so happy. Thank you for making our holidays brighter!" – A Grateful Parent
Your generosity powers every step and grows hope in our community.
