Alexandria Kids Need 3,500 Backpacks. Here’s How You Can Help.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — For most children, a new backpack is simply part of getting ready for a new school year. For others, it’s the difference between walking into class feeling prepared and walking in without the basic tools they need to succeed.

That’s why Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is once again calling on the community to help fill 3,500 backpacks before students return to school this fall. The annual ACPS Backpack & School Supply Drive is now underway, with donations being accepted through Monday, Aug. 10.

Last summer, 25 community organizations and more than 40 volunteers helped ACPS reach its goal of filling 3,500 backpacks for PreK-12 students. This year, school leaders hope Alexandria’s generous spirit will once again shine through.

“As families continue to navigate rising costs, community support remains as important as ever so students can start school prepared with new backpacks and essential supplies,” ACPS said in announcing this year’s campaign.

Why the Backpack Drive Matters

The annual drive is about much more than notebooks and pencils. It helps ensure students who need extra support can begin the school year with the same basic supplies as their classmates—ready to learn, participate and feel confident on the very first day. Families who need a backpack for an ACPS student are encouraged to contact their school’s social worker.

Each summer, backpacks begin arriving from neighborhoods, civic associations, businesses, faith communities and individual donors throughout Alexandria. Volunteers then gather to sort, organize and fill thousands of backpacks with grade-appropriate school supplies before they are distributed to students across the school division.

“Each summer, ACPS staff and community members come together, working diligently to collect, organize and coordinate the ACPS Backpack & School Supply Drive,” the school division said.

How Alexandria Can Help

Community members have several ways to help.

Residents can purchase a new backpack or shop from ACPS’ grade-level school supply lists or Amazon Wish List. Neighborhoods, businesses, civic organizations and faith communities are encouraged to organize collection drives, while others may choose to host a summer fundraiser and donate the proceeds.

One of the most personal ways to participate costs nothing at all. Volunteers are invited to write handwritten “Welcome Back” notes that will be tucked inside donated backpacks, offering words of encouragement to students as they begin a new school year.

Whether it’s donating one backpack, collecting supplies at the office or writing a thoughtful note, every contribution helps. ACPS says even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference for a student starting the school year.

Individuals may drop off new backpacks and school supplies at Alexandria City High School, 3330 King St., Monday through Thursday before Aug. 10. (Schools are closed on Fridays during the summer.)

Organizations planning larger donations can complete an online commitment form to arrange pickup by ACPS staff. Minimum donation requirements apply.

Questions about the drive can be directed to the ACPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE) office at [email protected]. Additional information, downloadable flyers, grade-level supply lists, an Amazon Wish List and volunteer information are available on the ACPS Backpack & School Supply Drive webpage.

The campaign’s message is simple: “One backpack. Endless possibilities.”

And for thousands of Alexandria students, that’s exactly what a new backpack represents—a fresh start, a confident first day and a community that believes every child deserves to begin the school year ready to learn.