As we approach back to school season, many seek ways to provide students in need with key items necessary for success in the classroom. Here are some local organizations that are collecting backpacks, books, clothes and school supplies for children:
The Wish Project, Backpack Attack, 1 Foundry Industrial Park, Lowell MA
Drop off at the warehouse, by August 19th, if possible, so they can get donations to children before they start school. However, donations will be accepted through September 7.
Backpacks for Kids Foundation, Dover MA
The Backpacks for Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing children in need with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. They donate to children in the Greater Boston area and beyond. Financial contributions are accepted as well as donations of new supplies. For more information, email backpacksforkids@comcast.net.
Compass for Kids, 1050 Waltham St, Suite 300, Lexington MA
Donate a backpack with school supplies to support a home parent enrolling in COMPASS job training and getting to work. Details online
Backpacks for Kids Foundation, Dover MA
The Backpacks for Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing children in need with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. They donate to children in the Greater Boston area and beyond. Financial contributions are accepted as well as donations of new supplies. For more information, email backpacksforkids@comcast.net.
Compass for Kids, 1050 Waltham St, Suite 300, Lexington MA
Donate a backpack with school supplies to support a home parent enrolling in COMPASS job training and getting to work. Details online
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Annual Backpack Drive, 234 Barnum Rd, Devens MA
Loaves & Fishes is holding its Annual Backpack Drive on Monday, August 24th. Please note that donations are requested by August 18th. Loaves & Fishes serves people of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. If you are interested in donating, please email LnFbackpackprogram@gmail.com or call (978) 772-4627 for further information. Click here for the 2015 Supply List and Donation Record form.
Cradles to Crayons, Ready for School: Head to Toe, (Bedford, Billerica, Concord, Lexington, Westford)
Clothing and footwear are just as essential as backpacks and supplies for going back to school. Bring donations to any of these drop-off locations through August 30th:
Bedford
- KAVALER/WYSOPAL House, 5 Orchard Road, Bedford MA. Accepting new and like-new clothing, footwear, books, and baby items. For questions, please email Deb at debkav@me.com
Billerica
- Itsy Bitsy Thrifty, Brick Kiln Plaza, 99 Chelmsford Rd, Billerica MA. Tues., Wed., Fri. 10AM - 5PM; Thurs. 10am-7pm; Sat. 10am-2pm. Accepting new and like-new clothing, books, toys, baby items, baby equipment, and new school supplies. No large drives. Call Itsy Bitsy Thrifty shop with questions (978) 362-3457.
Concord
- Concord District Court, 305 Walden Street, Concord MA. 1-800-PACKRAT storage unit in the rear parking lot. Accessible for drop-offs 24/7. Accepting new and like-new clothing, books, toys, baby items, baby equipment, and new school supplies.
Lexington
- St. Brigid Parish, 2001 Mass. Ave, Lexington, MA. 1-800-PACKRAT storage unit in parking lot with purple Cradles to Crayons sign. Accessible for drop-offs 24/7. Accepting new and like-new clothing, books, toys, baby items, baby equipment, and new school supplies. For questions, please contact Wendy at (617) 504-9219 or wkbert@mac.com.
- 27 Slocum Rd, Lexington MA. Please leave drop-off items on the porch by the back door.
Westford
- ProSports Therapy, 334 Littleton Road, Westford MA. Donate Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Accepting new and like-new children's clothing, books, baby items and small toys.
- Next Generation Children's Centers, 9, 11 & 13 Powers Road, Westford MA. 24/7 access POD storage unit in parking lot for drop offs. Accepting new and like-new clothing, books, toys, baby items, baby equipment, and new school supplies.
Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell, 220 Worthen Street, Lowell MA
In need of: crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors, drama dress up clothing (old prom dresses, old halloween costumes, theater clothing,etc.), puzzles, complete board games and stickers. Please note donations are requested by August 28th. For more information and to coordinate delivery, contact: Jennifer Demers, 978-458-6529 ext.103 or jdemers@girlsinclowell.org.
Lazarus House, 48 Holly St and 412 Hampshire St, Lawrence MA
This organization is seeking the following donations by August 18th: backpacks, general supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, rulers, crayons, colored pencils, binders, pencil sharpener, pencil case, highlighters, calculators), Old Navy gift certificates for uniform pants, Payless and Marshalls gift certificates for shoes, socks and underwear. Donors may also buy for a specific child if they would like and may contact Kelly Townsend directly to coordinate: Kelly@lazarushouse.org or 978-269-5217. Items may be dropped off and labeled to Kelly’s attention 24/7 at the Lazarus House Shelter on 48 Holly Street, Lawrence MA or Monday-Friday at the thrift store door on 412 Hampshire Street, Lawrence MA.
Salvation Army Lowell Corps Community Center, 150 Appleton Street, Lowell MA
Any back to school supplies are welcome for donation to help those in need.
