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United Way’s Back-to-School Drive
Why This Matters
Too many students start the school year without the supplies they need to succeed, and teachers often step in to fill the gap with their own money.
Here’s How You Can Help
Donate by August 7, 2026
Make your financial gift, shop the Amazon Wishlist or drop off new school supplies by Friday, August 7, 2026 to help local students start school ready.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
By county, physical drop-off locations include:
- Blount – Helping Families Initiative (204 2nd Street North, Oneonta, AL 35121).
- Chilton – Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, Inc. (502 Enterprise Road, Clanton, AL 35046).
- Jefferson – United Way of Central Alabama (3620 8th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35222).
- Shelby – Montevallo Boys & Girls Club (420 Vine Street, Montevallo, AL 35115).
- St. Clair – Pell City Boys & Girls Club (405 19th St. S, Pell City, AL 35128).
- Walker – Jasper Civic Center (204 19th St. E, Suite 100, Jasper, AL 35501).
Most-Needed School Supplies
Help students start the school year prepared and confident by donating new school supplies.
Based on recurring needs reported by schools across Central Alabama, the items below are consistently among the most requested supplies. This list will be updated as school-specific requests are finalized.
Student Supplies
- Clear plastic backpacks
- Composition notebooks
- Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
- 3-prong plastic folders
- Pre-sharpened #2 pencils
- Red pens
- Student scissors
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Highlighters
- Pencil pouches
- Index cards
Classroom Supplies
- White copy paper
- Cardstock paper
- Dry-erase markers
- Permanent markers
- Binders
- Binder dividers
- Sheet protectors
- Pocket folders
Teacher & Classroom Essentials
- Glue sticks
- Liquid glue
- Paper towels
- Facial tissue
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
- Baby wipes
- Disinfecting spray
- Quart and gallon storage bags
- Erasers and eraser caps
Volunteer for a School Beautification Project
Help create welcoming, inspiring spaces where students can thrive.
Join United Way Hands On and volunteer at a local school before the first day of class. Projects may include painting, organizing classrooms, landscaping, cleaning and other improvements identified by school leaders.
Whether you’re volunteering as an individual, family, community group or corporate team, your time and effort help students walk into a school environment that feels safe, welcoming and ready for learning.
Thank you to our Back-to-School Sponsors!
