Current Needs

Art Supplies

Art supplies, such as construction paper, crayons, glue and other consumable items are staples in many pre-K and elementary classrooms, so they are always needed.

Backpacks

Every child needs a backpack to carry books and supplies to and from school. Quality backpacks can be pricey, so some families may struggle to afford durable backpacks for their children. When properly taken care of, backpacks may last for more than one school year, so students can get a lot of use out of them.

Calculators

While calculators are available on smartphones, not every student has a smartphone, and schools may not allow students to use their phones during class. Different types of calculators serve different purposes, so while a young student can get by with a basic one, a high school student may need a more advanced (and expensive) calculator.

If you are donating calculators to a specific class or school, check first to find out what type of calculators would be appropriate.

Hygiene and Cleaning Products

Facial tissues, paper towels, antibacterial wipes, antibacterial sprays and hand sanitizers are necessities in any classroom. Sanitizing frequently touched surfaces in classrooms is an essential step in keeping classrooms clean and preventing diseases like COVID-19, the flu or the common cold from spreading.

Laptops and Tablets

Donating a laptop or tablet can provide access to technology for a child whose family has limited financial resources. Check local organizations for those that accept gently used computer equipment or funds to purchase this equipment and donate it to local schools. These organizations may consider certain computers too old or outdated, so make sure to check any requirements before you donate.

Notebooks

School supplies may vary by grade, but students of every age use notebooks. These come in handy for writing first drafts, tracking data in a science experiment and everything in between.

Writing Instruments

You can never have too many pencils, highlighters, pens or markers in a classroom, so writing instruments are excellent items to donate. Since these are more affordable than some other types of school supplies, donating writing instruments works if you’re sticking to a budget.