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
