Every year, 2 out of 3 students start the school year without school supplies. For more than 16 million students across the U.S., something as small as a missing pencil or an empty notebook can create an invisible barrier between them and their potential. But when those barriers are removed, something transformative happens — school supplies don’t just equip a student to learn; they ignite confidence, create a sense of belonging, and help every child pursue their goals and dreams.

If you’ve been searching for where to donate school supplies, you’re in the right place. At Kids In Need Foundation, we’re the only national nonprofit focused on the country’s most under-resourced schools — where 70% or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals — and for 30 years we’ve been working to ensure every child is equipped to learn and every teacher is supplied with the right tools. Here’s everything you need to know to make your donation count.

Why School Supply Donations Matter

Teachers are filling the gap out of their own pockets: 100% of teachers reported spending their own money on essential classroom supplies, and 42% said they’ve considered leaving the profession due to feeling under-resourced and unsupported. Behind every donated notebook or box of crayons is a teacher who can teach without barriers and a student who can learn with confidence.

We have a saying at KINF that speaks to the heart of our mission: it’s more than just a backpack. What goes inside does more than put a pencil into a student’s hands — it sparks creativity, builds confidence, and opens doors for kids regardless of their circumstances.

Where to Donate School Supplies: 4 Ways to Give

Whether you have a single pack of pencils, a carload of backpacks, or pallets of overstock inventory, there’s a way for your supplies to reach the classrooms that need them most.

1. Donate supplies directly

Our Give Product program sends much-needed supplies directly to students and teachers — every item makes a difference. We accept new, K–12 appropriate school supplies (we’re unable to accept used items, chemicals, or hazmat materials). Simply complete the Product Donation Form on our Donate Product page to get started.

For businesses, product donation is also a smart answer to overstock: North American retailers lose an estimated $123 billion in overstock annually. Donating that inventory reduces waste while strengthening communities and putting supplies to work in classrooms.

2. Host a school supply drive

Want to multiply your impact? Mobilize your community and collect essential supplies for under-resourced teachers and students by hosting a supply drive at your workplace, school, or community group. Our supply drive toolkit gives you everything you need to organize a successful drive — and it’s one of the most popular ways groups get involved during back-to-school season.

3. Make a monetary donation

Not near a drop-off point, or short on time? A financial gift goes straight to work supplying classrooms. Join our community of monthly givers and provide consistent support to teachers and students all year long — because school supplies run out long before the school year does.

4. Fundraise or become a brand partner

Invite friends, family, and coworkers to join you — the more people who give, the more students and teachers we can support. Start a fundraiser, or go further as a company by collaborating with us through brand partnerships to create lasting impact through meaningful, mission-driven work, from backpack builds to cause marketing campaigns.

What School Supplies Are Most Needed?

If you’re shopping for a donation or setting up a collection box, these new, K–12 appropriate items are always in demand:

• Single subject notebooks
• Packages of #2 pencils
• Round-tip scissors
• Washable markers
• Crayons and colored pencils
• Pencil pouches
• Erasers
• Folders

Remember: all donated items must be new. Used items can’t be distributed to students.

Where Do Your Donations Go?

Donations are distributed through our programs and our national network of Teacher Resource Centers — free stores where teachers from under-resourced schools shop for the supplies their students need, at no cost. Whether it’s a backpack filled with supplies through Supply A Student or a fully stocked Teacher Resource Center, every item we provide is a student prepared, a teacher supported, and a key to potential unlocked through quality education.

Looking for School Supply Donations “Near Me”?

Because our Teacher Resource Center network spans the country, your donation supports under-resourced schools nationwide — no matter where you live. Product donations are coordinated through our Product Donation Form, supply drives can be hosted anywhere with our toolkit, and monetary gifts can be made online in minutes. If you’re in the Twin Cities area, you can also get hands-on at our Minnesota facility.

Ready to Donate?

This back-to-school season, be the reason a student walks into class prepared. Donate supplies, host a drive, or give today — and help us build a future where every student can learn with confidence and every teacher can teach without barriers.