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Back to school time is in full swing! There are some great deals and coupons for school supplies this week, which makes it a great time to donate school supplies. If you have extra supplies around the house or you’re able to grab extra supplies while you are out, check out 5 ways to donate your items.
1. National Grocery Stores
If you would like to donate money towards school supplies this year, a great place to start is in grocery stores. This year, Publix is doing a campaign to raise money to purchase school supplies called Tools for School. To participate in this campaign, Publix is looking for gifts of $5, $7 or $10 that can be purchased at the register. Last year, Publix collected more than $1.8 million in school supplies!
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a great place to donate school supplies this year. Each branch of the Salvation Army coordinates programs for collecting school supplies. The Salvation Army asks that you contact your local Salvation Army for instructions and information on donating school supplies. You can find a location near you on its website.
3. Public Libraries & Public Schools
Other great places to donate school supplies are at local public libraries and directly to public schools. A lot of libraries will offer specific places for donating, but if you don’t see something right away, ask someone at the front desk for help. Even if they aren’t able to accept donations, they will most likely be able to help locate a drop off location. You can also donate directly to your local public schools and they can make sure the supplies are getting in the right hands.
4. Local Churches
Many churches organize back to school supplies drives as summer ends and the school year approaches. If you are part of a church that doesn’t have a back to school drive, consider talking to your pastor or other church leaders about starting one through your church.
5. Start Your Own School Supply Drive
If you have some time on your hands, consider organizing your own school supply drive. Createthegood.org offers great advice and steps for starting your own drive. Some of the main steps include asking for help from friends, picking a school and figuring out what’s needed, drafting a simple plan, promoting your drive and dropping off your supplies after your event has ended.
