Back to School Drive
Help Support DABSJ's Annual
It’s time for our Annual Back to School Drive! Can you help? We will be providing backpacks and school supplies to children at DABSJ. Help children start the year with confidence with the school supplies they need!
Why a Backpack Drive?
Help Support DABSJ’s Annual Backpack Drive!
It’s time for our Annual Backpack & School Supply Drive! Can you help? We will be providing backpacks to children at DABS]. Help children start the year with confidence with the school supplies they need!
About the 2024 DABSJ Backpack Drive
This year, supporters have the option to personally shop for backpacks for kids. Donors, families, or groups can sign up for as many backpacks as they would like. and then will receive a shopping list with other helpful info, from favorite colors and characters to the exact supplies needed to master second grade. You will also get the opportunity to write a note of encouragement for the student. It’s all about giving kids the strongest start to their school year!
Not able to shop but still want to support? You can also give a monetary donation of any amount to go toward the Backpack Drive. A gift of $100 will fund one backpack with supplies or any additional needs – and make a big difference as children start the new school year.
Volunteer Help Needed
Beginning August 1st and lasting through August 12th, we invite the community to come volunteer at DABSJ by stuffing backpacks for the youth we serve. Should you have interest in volunteering, please sign up using this link: VOLUNTEER SIGN UP.
Questions? Contact events@dabsj.org
Why a Back to School Drive?
Children supported by DABSJ have faced a number of challenges in their lives – some as hard as abuse and neglect, some living with foster parents and starting new schools, some struggling with mental health, and more.
Each year, our agency partners with the community to provide backpacks and supplies to kids in our foster care, adoption, residential treatment, family preservation, and behavioral health programs.
With your help, we can alleviate some of the back-to-school stress for children and families at DABSJ—ensuring they have what they need to start the school year prepared and confident.
The window for community members to shop for a supply list has closed, but donations are still be accepted! We will work with volunteers to fulfill all remaining lists. No child will be left without supplies and your donations make that possible!
Donate to the Backpack Drive!
About the 2026 Back to School Drive
This year, the Back to School Drive is taking on a new approach designed to better meet the needs of the children and families we serve.
Instead of collecting individually sponsored backpacks, we are gathering a wide range of essential school supplies that will be made available through a centralized, shop-style experience at our campus. Caseworkers and families will be able to select the items that best fit each child’s needs, based on grade, school requirements, and personal preferences.
This shift allows us to provide greater flexibility, reduce barriers for families, and ensure that supplies can be distributed where they are needed most throughout the season.
Community members can support the drive by donating items from our standard supply list or making a financial contribution to help us keep supplies stocked and ready for the students we serve.
About the 2025 DABSJ Back to School Drive
This year, supporters have the option to personally shop for backpacks for kids. Donors, families, or groups can sign up for as many backpacks as they would like. The site includes a shopping list, as well as info on favorite colors and characters. You are welcome welcome to write a note of encouragement for the student to include. It’s all about giving kids the strongest start to their school year!
Not able to shop but still want to support? You can also give a monetary donation of any amount to go toward the Back to School Drive. Funds will go toward supplies and additional needs – making a big difference as children start the school year.
Volunteer Help Needed
Looking to get involved in this drive? We have opportunities for you! Beginning August 1st and lasting through August 12th, we invite the community to come volunteer at DABSJ by stuffing backpacks for the youth we serve. Individuals and groups welcome! Sign up for a shift and help our kids get school-ready.
Drop-Off
Backpacks and supplies can be dropped off at
2172 Dean Lake Ave NE beginning July 22-August 14.
Drop off hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Friday: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Please note: We are closed for lunch Monday–Thursday from 12:00 – 1:00PM.
- Backpacks and supplies can be dropped off at 2172 Dean Lake Ave NE beginning July 14tt. Drop off hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00AM – 4:30PM Friday: 9:00AM – 12:00PM Please note: We are closed for lunch Monday–Thursday from 12:00 – 1:00PM.
- Evening drop-offs are available by request by emailing events@dabsj.org.
Dropoff deadline is August 14
Back to School Bash
Support our back to school bash!
Host a Collection Drive
thank you to the organizations hosting collection drives!
• ADAC
• BHS Insurance
• Grand River Bank
• Grand Rapids Foam Technologies
• GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
• Kendall Lighting Center
• Life-Centered Dentistry
• Rinvelt & David
Interested in hosting a collection drive at your workplace, church, school, or organization? We’d love to partner with you!
Download the collection drive flyer using the button below.
If you plan to host a collection, please email events@dabsj.org so we can support your efforts and help spread the word.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who supported the Backpack Drive this year! The drive is closed for 2024, check back in summer of 2025!
