Help Kids Go Back to School: Donate to the NVFS Back-to-School Drive

By Jessie Biele

For the last 20 years, Northern Virginia Family Services has helped thousands of kids get ready to go back to school in September.

Starting Thursday, NVFS will be accepting donations of school supplies or monetary donations from the public to help school-age children go back to school well-prepared. 

Last year, NVFS provided backpacks filled with supplies to more than 1600 students in need throughout Northern Virginia, said Pam Boyle, NVFS Community Engagement Assistant.  

"Every year our goal is the same: to provide new backpacks and grade-specific supplies to every child referred to the program," Boyle said in an email. "The most rewarding part of working on the drive is knowing that through the generosity of our donors, over 1600 students will be starting the new school year well-prepared and ready to learn."

For every dollar one contributes, NVFS typically purchases $2 to $4 of school supplies for the drive. NVFS is in great need of larger-sized backpacks for middle and high school students. Gender-neutral colors are preferable. For a full list of supplies needed for the drive, please click here.

Drop-off begins Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and runs through Monday. Those interested in donating supplies may drop them off at 13926 Metrotech Dr. in Chantilly during drop-off times. Online donations are being accepted here. Checks are also accepted and can be made payable to Northern Virginia Family Services, ATTN: Back-to-School Drive, 10455 White Granite Drive, Oakton, VA 22124.