More Than Supplies: A New Start for Annapolis Students
As summer draws to a close and the excitement of a new school year builds, many families begin preparing for the first day of school. Back-to-school shopping should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for many households in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, the cost of school supplies turns that excitement into stress.
That's where The Salvation Army Annapolis steps in.
Each year, we host a community-centered backpack drive to help ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Through this initiative, our neighbors rally together to support local students and alleviate the financial burden for families who may be struggling. This way the new school year becomes about possibility, not pressure.
Let's take a closer look at how our annual backpack drive is making a lasting impact across Annapolis and how you can be part of it.
The Rising Cost of School Supplies
In recent years, the cost of school supplies has soared. According to the National Retail Federation, families with school-aged children now spend hundreds of dollars per child each year on essentials like notebooks, pens, calculators, and backpacks. Factor in clothing, shoes, and other gear, and the price tag for the first day of school can be overwhelming.
For families already facing financial hardship, the back-to-school season brings difficult choices: pay rent, fill the fridge, or school supplies?
That's where our work at The Salvation Army Annapolis starts. Our backpack drive directly offsets the rising cost of school supplies by providing fully stocked backpacks to children who need them most. No child should feel unprepared on their first day of school, and thanks to generous donors, many don't have to.
Equipping Students for Success
A new backpack filled with school supplies may seem like a small gesture, but to a child, it can mean everything. Beyond the physical tools, it sends a powerful message: You are seen. You are supported. You belong here.
Each backpack we distribute includes age-appropriate materials based on school guidelines, such as:
- Notebooks and binders
- Pens, pencils, crayons, and markers
- Folders and paper
- Glue sticks and rulers
- Pencil cases and erasers
- Personal care items (in some cases)
These resources empower students to walk into the classroom with confidence on the first day of school. They help level the playing field, reducing the stigma that can come from being unprepared. And for parents, it's one less worry during an already demanding time of year.
Serving Families Across Annapolis
At The Salvation Army Annapolis, our backpack drive is a community effort rooted in compassion. Through the help of volunteers, local businesses, schools, churches, and individual donors, we come together to ensure students across our city start the year strong.
Last year alone, we distributed more than 300 backpacks to families throughout Annapolis and the surrounding areas. From Eastport to Parole to Glen Burnie, children were able to begin the new school year with everything they needed.
But the need continues to grow.
We're seeing more first-time applicants for our backpack drive: families who are working hard but still can't stretch their paychecks far enough. Inflation, housing costs, and lingering effects of the pandemic have placed a significant strain on household budgets. That's why we're aiming higher this year, and why your support matters.
Why It Matters: Beyond the Backpack
Providing a backpack is just the beginning. Through this initiative, The Salvation Army Annapolis builds bridges to long-term support for families. Many of the households that receive school supplies also connect with our other services, including:
- Food pantry assistance
- Emergency rent and utility support
- Holiday help through Angel Tree
- Case management and referrals
- Worship services and spiritual care
The backpack drive often becomes the first point of contact in a broader journey toward stability and hope.
Moreover, the emotional impact on children can't be overstated. Teachers consistently report improved classroom engagement and morale among students who feel prepared and included.
A confident student is more likely to participate, make friends, and enjoy learning.
In this way, a backpack becomes much more than school gear; it becomes a stepping stone toward brighter futures.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to get involved with the backpack drive and support local children in Annapolis:
- Donate School Supplies
- We accept new, unused supplies for all grade levels. Backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, crayons, markers, and calculators are especially needed. You can drop off supplies at The Salvation Army Annapolis Corps located at 351 Hilltop Ln, Annapolis, MD 21403.
- Sponsor a Backpack
- A $25 donation helps us fill and distribute one fully stocked backpack to a local student. You can make a monetary gift online by visiting our website.
- Host a Collection Drive
- Businesses, civic groups, and churches can multiply the impact by organizing their collection efforts. We'll provide guidance and resources to make your drive a success.
- Volunteer with Us
- We need help sorting supplies, assembling backpacks, and distributing them to families. It's a great way to serve your community and share the excitement of the new school year with children firsthand.
- Spread the Word
- Share our mission with your network on social media, in newsletters, or among your coworkers. The more people who know about the need, the more children we can reach.
A Message to Parents
If you're a parent in the Annapolis area and you're worried about how to afford school supplies this year, we're here to help. We see your effort. We understand the stress. And we want to walk alongside you.
To register for our backpack drive, visit our website or call us at (410) 263-4095. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
We believe that every child deserves a strong start to the school year and that no family should face the school year alone.
Love Beyond the First Day
At The Salvation Army Annapolis, our mission is to meet human need without discrimination. Through programs like the backpack drive, we offer not just material support but dignity, connection, and hope.
We know that the cost of school supplies shouldn't stand in the way of a child's education. That's why we fight for families every single day, so kids can walk into class ready to learn, dream, and thrive.
Let's come together to make this school year the brightest one yet. Because when we love beyond the first day of school, we change lives.