School's almost back in session, and across Riverside, local businesses and organizations are stepping up to make sure kids have what they need on day one. That preparation matters more than it might seem. Showing up with the right supplies helps students settle in and keep pace with their class right away, instead of starting the year already feeling behind. It's also a confidence thing: most educators report a real boost in a student's self-esteem when they're not the one without a notebook or a pencil case. And it's not just kids who feel the pinch. Most public school teachers still end up covering classroom gaps out of their own pocket, often several hundred dollars a year. Community drives like these help take some of that weight off everyone's shoulders. With the first day of school just around the corner, now's the time to drop off what you can.
Here's where you can donate or drop off
Tower Agency is collecting supplies through July 31st. Shop their curated Amazon Wish List or drop off supplies at their office, and if you bring in $50 worth of supplies, they'll thank you with 2 Regal movie tickets.
Blue Zones is running a School Supply Drive through July 31st, collecting notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, paper, Chromebook chargers, shoes, and hygiene products. Drop off at Cookie Tin Cafe (1485 Spruce St Ste O, Monday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM) or at their office at 3850 Vine Street on July 30th and 31st, 10 AM–4 PM.
Tilden-Coil CARES is running their annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive, collecting backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and more, with a donation deadline of Monday, August 3rd. Drop off at their main office, 3612 Mission Inn Ave, or donate online via QR code.
All Saints is collecting school supplies for learners in the Riverside community who don't have access to everything they need. Backpacks, headphones, calculators, pencils, erasers, pens, crayons, markers, scissors, tape, glue sticks, pencil pouches, binders, folders, and lined paper are especially useful, though the list isn't exhaustive. Supplies can be dropped off at the church office, 3847 Terracina Dr, Sundays from 8 AM–11 AM or Monday through Thursday from 8 AM–3 PM. Everything collected will go to community partners, including TRF Child Development Center, Laundry Love Riverside, Family Promise, and St. Michael's Apartment families, who'll distribute it directly to learners as needed. Backpacks and supplies will be blessed during a Blessing of the Backpacks service on Sunday, August 9th.
