Hailey
In a collective effort to ensure students and educators in Douglas County have the tools they need for a successful school year, local school districts, nonprofit organizations, and community volunteers have united for the annual Back2School Donation Drive.
Running throughout July 2025, this initiative aims to gather essential school supplies for students in Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin City.
How and Where to Donate
The Back2School Drive is accepting both monetary contributions and physical donations.
Supplies can be dropped off at designated retail store collection points, through community and business partner locations, or via online wish lists and donation bins, as outlined on the official Back2School website.
This effort is designed to make it easy for community members to contribute, whether in person or online.
What Supplies Are Needed?
Organizers are asking for new school supplies to help students begin the 2025–2026 academic year fully prepared. Requested items include:
- Backpacks
- Plastic two-pocket folders
- Wide-ruled composition notebooks
- Clorox antibacterial wipes
- Youth-sized over-the-ear headphones
- Child-safe scissors
- Plastic pencil boxes
- Markers and glue sticks
- Tissue boxes
- Other age-appropriate school essentials
No Application Required for Families
Families do not need to fill out an application to receive school supplies. They simply need to contact their child’s school to confirm they are listed for distribution.
Supplies will be pre-packed according to each school’s supply list, and every student will have the opportunity to choose their own backpack during pickup.
Organizations Leading the Effort
The donation drive is spearheaded by the United Way of Kaw Valley, in collaboration with:
- The Salvation Army
- East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN)
- Eudora Public Schools and Education Foundation
- Baldwin City Public Schools and Education Foundation
- Lawrence Public Schools and Foundation
These partners are working together to streamline the donation process and maximize impact across Douglas County.
Volunteer Opportunities: Help Make a Difference
The initiative is also seeking volunteers to assist with collecting and organizing supplies. Opportunities include:
- July 11–12 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) – Volunteer tabling at both Walmart locations in Lawrence (3300 Iowa St. and 550 Congressional Drive)
- August 4–5 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – Backpack stuffing event at The Salvation Army, located at 1202 E. 23rd St. in Lawrence
These events are critical in preparing the supplies for distribution and offer a hands-on way for the community to get involved.
Additional Ways to Support
For those who prefer to contribute financially, donations can be made directly to the school foundations of Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin City.
These funds will be used to purchase additional school supplies for students in need across the district.
The Back2School Supply Drive is more than just a seasonal tradition—it’s a meaningful way for the Douglas County community to support its youth.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in helping local students start the school year with confidence and the right supplies.
Contact your school or visit the Back2School website today to learn how you can help make a difference.