How to Start a School Supply Drive in 3 Steps

STEP 1: CREATE YOUR PLAN

SET A GOAL. Choose the number of supplies you want to collect or the amount you want to raise. Register your supply drive and online donations can be applied to your fundraising goal, making it super easy to track your progress. 

PICK A DEADLINE. Build momentum by choosing an end date, sharing it often, and reminding supporters when time is running out. For most goals, the recommended supply drive length is 2-4 weeks.

MAKE DONATING EASY. Create a clear collection point for supplies and share your online giving option for those who prefer to contribute financially. Physical supply donations must be received before August 21 to count towards a spot on the Overall Top Supply Drives.

STEP 2: COLLECT IN YOUR COMMUNITY 

SPREAD THE WORD. Share your drive through flyers, emails, social media, and public community platforms. Don’t forget to tag @AGiftForTeaching on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

MAKE IT FUN. Add a little friendly competition, prizes, themes, or a progress thermometer to keep energy high and show supporters how close you are to reaching the goal. 

OFFER OPTIONS. Not everyone can shop and drop off school supplies, so remind supporters they can also donate online towards your registered virtual supply drive. Every $1 donated is transformed into $10 worth of supplies for local classrooms. 

STEP 3: CELEBRATE YOUR IMPACT  

SAY THANK YOU. Celebrate every donor, volunteer, and teammate who helped put supplies into the hands of students and teachers. 

DROP OFF YOUR DONATION. Label all bags and boxes with your supply drive name. Then schedule your donation drop-off OR stop by our Community Drop-Off Events at A Gift for Teaching on August 7 from 10am – 12pm and August 18 from 1pm – 3pm. 

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST. Receive updates and more ways to help the students and teachers you’re supporting throughout the school year.

For additional questions, please contact backtoschooldrive@agiftforteaching.org

Is my donation tax-deductible?

A Gift for Teaching is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations directly to A Gift for Teaching are tax-deductible, please consult a tax professional for further details and questions. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 59-3515162.

What’s better? School supplies or financial donations? 

BOTH are important! A Gift for Teaching is open for teacher shopping throughout the entire school year. Community drives and fundraisers help ensure store shelves are ready to reopen in the new school year and stay stocked with educational resources.  

How do I register my company/organization to host a supply drive?

Designate (1) one Team Captain to register and manage the supply drive. Then click “Start a Supply Drive” and complete the registration form for a new supply drive. Once registered, the Team Captain can customize the team page and share the link with the rest of your teammates to start fundraising!

How do I donate to a virtual supply drive? 

Easy! Click "Make a Donation" to donate to a specific supply drive or select “No one specifically” to support the overall goal. Make sure to use the employer search tool on the form to see if your donation could go even further with a matching gift from your or your spouse’s employer!

Will I know what my company has donated online? 

When you share your team fundraising page, all donations made on that page will be tracked under your registered supply drive name. Team Captains have access to keep up to date on who has donated, and everyone can see the total donated on the team's goal thermometer.

Are you still accepting physical supply drive donations? 

We will always accept new school supply donations! Please register your supply drive even if you are only accepting physical supplies and make sure to label all your boxes/bags with your supply drive name when dropping off your donation. Donations must be received before August 21 to be counted and included in the running for the Overall Top Supply Drives.

Where can I drop off my physical supply donations?

When you are ready to wrap up your supply drive, please label your donation bags/boxes with your supply drive name before dropping them off.  Then schedule a donation drop-off before delivering your supplies OR stop by our Community Drop-Off Events at A Gift for Teaching on August 7 from 10am – 12pm and August 18 from 1pm – 3pm. Please note that A Gift for Teaching does not have the capacity to pick up donations.

Is there anything else I can do to help? 

Join our email list for other ways to get involved as A Gift for Teaching supports teachers and their students all year round!

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, July 20 to August 20, to stock up on back-to-school supplies.