Help Fill Backpacks: Where to Donate School Supplies Before Classes Start

For many families in our community, the excitement of a new school year comes with the financial stress of purchasing supplies that can quickly add up. A new backpack, notebooks, pencils and other essentials help students feel confident and ready to learn, but these basics can strain already tight budgets.

With Alvord Unified schools opening Aug. 6 and Riverside Unified following Aug. 11, local organizations are stepping up to ensure no child starts the year without the tools they need to succeed.

These four area nonprofits are actively collecting donations, though many more organizations throughout the community also support students in need.

Family Service Association

Family Service Association operates three child development centers accepting school supply donations year-round:

• Alvord Child Development Center: 8230 Wells Ave., 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Arlanza Child Development Center: 7801 Grammercy Place, 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Magnolia Child Development Center: 8172 Magnolia Ave., 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

While the organization accepts donations throughout the year, having supplies available before district start dates would be "ideal and greatly appreciated," organizers said.

Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service

Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service will host free backpack distribution and haircuts for students ages 5-17 on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The organization welcomes any school supplies including pencils, crayons, notepads and paper. They also accept nonperishable food items including canned goods, pasta, rice and beans for its food pantry, plus hygiene items for its closet pantry. Monetary donations can be made through PayPal at casablancahns.org.

Donations can be dropped off at 7680 Casa Blanca St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

All Saints Episcopal Church

All Saints Episcopal Church particularly needs writing supplies including pencils, markers and paper for students from preschool through college. The donations will be distributed through multiple programs: the church's Laundry Love program where children can choose what they need, Inspire House where young men receive new backpacks and supplies, Family Promise which aims to prevent and end homelessness for families with children and Training and Research Foundation, a nonprofit tenant on the church campus that provides comprehensive child development services to low-income preschool children. Excess supplies are shared with teachers who know their students' specific needs.

Donations should be delivered before Aug. 10 to 3847 Terracina Drive. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For information: (951) 683-8466 or AllSaintsR@gmail.com.

Tower Agency

Tower Agency is collecting new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, scissors, folders and markers through Aug. 4. All items must be new and unopened. The agency cannot accept used supplies, clothing or food items.

This year's donations will support students at Casa Blanca and Madison elementary schools, with supplies delivered the week before school starts.

"As we learned about the opening of Casa Blanca School, we knew we had to support these students from day one," organizers said. "Starting a new school is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. This drive is our way of saying: 'We see you. We support you. You belong here.'"

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 7197 Brockton Ave.

More information: Know of other back-to-school donation drives in Riverside? Share them on the Gazette's Facebook and Instagram pages to help connect donors with organizations serving local students.