Opportunities From: Rise Volunteer Hub

Rise Backpack & School Supply Drive
Help Us Send 1,000 Students Back to School Ready to Learn!

There’s something powerful about giving a child a backpack. No matter their background, showing up on the first day of school with the supplies they need helps level the playing field—and opens the door to opportunity, confidence, and success.

At Rise, we’re seeing record-high requests from families in our community. Many of them are unable to afford essential school supplies. This year, our goal is to distribute 1,000 pre-filled backpacks to local students in grades K–12.

Here’s how you can help:

Start a neighborhood collection

Host a drive at your workplace or place of worship

Add a few extra supplies to your own back-to-school shopping

Donate gift cards or funds so we can purchase high-need items (please submit gift cards separately)

View our needed backpack Supplies List: Backpack Wishlist

Every backpack filled is a step toward equity, dignity, and hope. Thank you for making a difference!
For questions, contact volunteer@njrise.org or call 609-438-3126.

Drop off location:  Rise Thrift Store - 114 Rogers Avenue, Hightstown, NJ 08520 – For more information, call 609-443-4464.

Items ACCEPTED for the School Supply Drive include:

Backpacks (maybe new OR gently used) NEW 1, 3, and 5 Subject Notebooks NEW Composition Notebooks NEW Folders NEW Pencil Cases NEW #2 Pencils NEW Pencil Sharpeners NEW Erasers NEW Pens NEW Hi-lighters NEW Crayons, Washable Markers, and Colored Pencils NEW Binders NEW Binder Paper NEW Book Covers NEW Calculators NEW Child Safety Scissors NEW Dividers NEW Glue NEW Rulers (12″) NEW Laptops or Tablets NEW Headphones Visa or Amazon Gift Cards

Host a Personal Care Drive

Many families in our community are facing tough times, and something as simple as a toothbrush or a warm meal can make a world of difference. That’s where YOU come in! We’re asking our wonderful supporters to help by donating items like:

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
Soap, cleansing wipes, and hand sanitizer, Feminine Care Period Products, and more.

Whether you bring a few items or a whole bag, your generosity will help brighten someone's day. Let’s come together to make this season one of giving, renewal, and community spirit!

Together, we can ensure everyone in our community feels cared for and supported this spring.

Ready to get started? Gather your friends, coworkers, or neighbors and make a big impact—one item at a time!

To get started, please sign up and view our  RISE DRIVE KIT

Donations

We gladly accept donations at the following Rise locations:

Rise Food Pantry
133 Broad Street, Hightstown
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Rise Thrift Store
114 Rogers Avenue, Hightstown
Hours:

Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Please do not leave items outside the pantry when we are closed.

For donations outside regular hours or to arrange a drop-off or pickup for large donations, please contact us at:
Email: getintouch@njrise.org
Phone: 609-443-4464

We truly appreciate the generosity and support of our donors. Thank you for helping us make a difference!