It's official: back-to-school season is officially upon us. According to the Texas Education Agency, 62% of Austin ISD students are economically disadvantaged, so the season can bring stress for many families. With the first day of school rapidly approaching, we’ve compiled a list of Central Texas school supply drives and events to attend or to help you give back to your fellow neighbors.
City of Austin 2023-2024 Backpack Drop Off
Organized by city staff every summer, many use their own money to purchase school supplies to help Austin students. If you’d like to join, simply fill a backpack with supplies and drop it off at one of the locations below.
Friday, July 28, 2023: 10am-2pm
Dropoff Locations:
Austin City Hall - Curbside on Lavaca Street
Or in the lobby at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Travis County Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Supply Drive
The Community Outreach Unit at the Travis County Sheriff’s office is collecting school supplies to distribute to various schools in Travis County. Visit the link to see dropoff locations.
Suggested Donations:
Crayons, pencils, markers, pens, highlighters, erasers, scissors, bottled glue, glue sticks, notebook paper, construction paper, notebooks, folders, and backpacks
Salvation Army Back-to-School Drive
The Salvation Army is hosting a back-to-school supply drive to ensure that all children living in their shelters have the supplies they need for the school year. Donate through August 4th.
Dropoff Location:
4700 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Lake Travis Elementary School Supply Kits
Sprout School Supplies is offering supply kits available for Lake Travis ISD elementary students. At checkout, you have the option to ‘pay it forward’ and purchase a supply kit for a student in need.
Lake Travis Labor of Love School Supply Program
LT Labor of Love is dedicated to ensuring that students have the supplies they need to be successful. Sign up to receive a kit or donate at the link above.
Rock Rock ISD School Supply Drive
Round Rock ISD is hosting an ongoing school supply drive. Companies and individuals are welcomed to get involved with either monetary or physical contributions. For $2,500 you can ‘Adopt-A-Grade’ and support an entire grade level of students.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands
Helping Hands gathers and distributes school supplies for students in Dripping Springs every August. Donate by mail or at a drop location featured online.
Mail Donations:
Dripping Springs Helping Hands - PO Box 804, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
HEB Back-to-School Supply Drive
100% of donations to HEB will go to providing school supplies for children in need. Donate at the link above.
Barton Back-to-School Bash
On August 5th, Barton Creek Square Mall will be hosting a back-to-school festival in partnership with Nordstrom and the Kindness Campaign. There will be a fashion show, supply drive, and Kindness Campaign initiatives.
Saturday, August 5, 2023: 10am-2pm
Location: Barton Creek Square Mall - 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy
We hope this list gives you an idea of how to make a difference during this back-to-school season! If you know of a drive that is not on our list, share this resource, spread the word, and have a great start to the school year. #MOREgiving
