The Back2School Drive for Douglas County is a collaborative effort between local school districts, non-profits, and community volunteers to meet the school supply needs of students and teachers in our county. This includes public schools in Lawrence (USD497), Eudora (USD491), and Baldwin City (USD348).
The United Way of Kaw Valley, in partnership with the Salvation Army, ECKAN, Eudora Public Schools & Foundation, Baldwin City Public Schools & Education Foundation and Lawrence Public Schools & Foundation, invites your participation in the 2025 Douglas County Back2School supply drive from July 1-31!
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Volunteers are needed to work tables in front of local stores collecting school supplies from shoppers.
We will be tabling outside Walmart on Iowa St from 10 am - 6 pm on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts will run every 2 hours (10 am-12 pm, 12-2 pm, 2-4 pm, 4-6 pm). We will be collecting both monetary and supply donations in a variety of ways this year and keeping distribution easy for families.
Volunteer responsibilities include
- Greeting shoppers
- Promoting the Back2School drive
- Sharing information about needed supplies
- Explaining the impact of the Back2School drive on our local community
- Encouraging shoppers to purchase & donate supplies to the Back2School drive
Please note:
- Be mindful of the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
- Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The annual school supply drive is a vital way in which we can come together to support our community!
Collection
Donations of money and supplies will be collected through business and community partnerships, tabling outside of retail stores, online wish lists, donation bins, and more! If you would like to help by volunteering, hosting a donation bin, or purchasing supplies please contact us!
Donate Supplies:
We will be collecting supplies at both Lawrence Walmart locations on July 11 & 12 from 10 am - 6 pm. The following items are needed! New items only please.
- Markers (Dry Erase, Black & Blue Preferred)
- Tissues (Boxes)
- Backpacks
- 2-Pocket Folders (Plastic Preferred)
- Comp Notebooks (Wide Ruled)
- Anti-Bacterial Wipes (Clorox Preferred)
- Headphones (Youth Size) (over-the-ear)
- Kid Scissors
- Pencil Boxes (Plastic)
- Markers (8 or 10 count classic colors)
- Glue Sticks
- Color Pencils (12-Packs)
- Highlighters
- Notebooks, College Ruled
- Earbuds
Distribution
No application is required to get supplies, families just need to contact their school to make sure they are on the list. Supplies will be pre-packed according to the school supply lists for the 2025-2026 school year and students will be able to pick out their own backpack to carry their supplies. Multiple distribution locations will be available.
All supplies will be given to families free of charge.
