Helping Students Start the School Year Ready to Learn
- Children's Fund
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Our Annual Backpack & School Supply Drive is back for 2026
Long-time partners, CSI-NUCOR, pose with their backpack donations
As summer break winds down, families across San Bernardino County begin preparing for a new school year. Along with the excitement of meeting new teachers, reconnecting with friends, and returning to the classroom comes the challenge of purchasing school supplies.
For many families, the cost of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators, and other classroom essentials can create a significant financial burden. When household budgets are already stretched thin, these necessary items can become difficult to afford.
That is why Children's Fund is once again inviting the community to participate in our Annual Backpack & School Supply Drive, running from June 15 through August 14.
A backpack filled with school supplies is more than a collection of classroom items. It represents confidence, preparedness, and the opportunity for a student to begin the school year on equal footing with their peers. Having the supplies teachers require allows students to focus on learning from the first day of school rather than worrying about what they may be missing.
The impact of community support is substantial. Last year, Children's Fund distributed backpacks and school supplies to 3,333 students throughout San Bernardino County, helping children arrive at school ready to learn and succeed.
This year's drive offers several ways to get involved. Community members, businesses, schools, faith groups, and service organizations can collect new backpacks stuffed with school supplies. Individuals can also make a financial contribution, allowing Children's Fund to purchase needed items and ensure students receive complete school supply kits.
While the drive is focused on the back-to-school season, the need for educational supplies extends far beyond August. Throughout the year, students may need replacement backpacks, additional notebooks, writing supplies, or other classroom materials. Children's Fund accepts backpack and school supply donations year-round to help meet those ongoing needs and support students whenever the need arises.
Every donated backpack represents an investment in a child's education and future. Together, we can help students across San Bernardino County begin the school year with confidence, equipped with the tools they need to participate, learn, and thrive.
