Ready for School

 All students deserve to be ready to learn on their first day of school and to fit in with their peers. Our Ready for School program provides children ages 5-12 with brand new backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies.

Studies have shown that the availability of books and other educational matierals is an important factor in school readiness and later academic and social success. By age four, children who live below the poverty line are 18 months behind what is expected for their age group; by age 10 that gap is still present. For children living in the poorest families, the gap is even larger. You can make a difference!

 

Sponsor a backpack for $15  
Send a Well Wish Message

Check out what's happening in Boston
Sign up for Philadelphia's Backpack-A-Thon on August 27

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Most Needed Items

    Boston:

  1. Sneakers & shoes
  2. New socks/underwear (all sizes)
  3. Playards, cribs & bedding
  4. Outlet covers & cabinet locks
  5. Infant tubs
  6. Safety gates
  7. Car seats
  8. Light weight strollers
  9. Bouncy seats & swings
  10. Baby monitors
  11. Philadelphia:

  12. Boys & Girls clothing sizes newborn-14/16
  13. Children's Books ages 0-2
  14. Diaper Bags & Diapers
  15. New Socks & Underwear (all sizes)
  16. Pack n' Plays, Cribs & Bedding
  17. Safety Gates
  18. Light Weight Strollers
  19. Car Seats
  20. Games & Puzzles
  21. Boppy Pillows & Baby Carriers

All donated goods must be new or of top quality ("good enough for your own child"), and contain all pieces and instructions.

Information about items we accept