(Posted 2026 September)

Thank You for Making Our 2026 Back-to-School Drive a Success!

Because of your community support, hundreds of students will walk into the new school year feeling confident, prepared, and supported. This year marked an exciting milestone for our annual Back-to-School Backpack and School Supply Drive: our first-ever, school-drive partnership with Roonga, an innovative online platform that allows donors to “adopt” individual students and provide exactly what they need.

You embraced this new approach wholeheartedly as 259 generous donors adopted 808 students across 410 households.

Behind each of those numbers is a real story: a kindergartener eagerly zipping up their first backpack, a middle schooler feeling proud to have supplies that are truly theirs, a high schooler walking into class ready to focus on learning instead of worrying about what they don’t have, and a college freshman stepping into a brand-new chapter with the tools they need to succeed.

Because of our amazing donors, the back-to-school season was less stressful for families who are working hard to make ends meet. You helped turn what can be an overwhelming time into one filled with relief, joy, and hope.

A Community That Never Ceases to Amaze Us
Each year when we launch this drive, we wonder if we’ll be able to meet the growing need. And each year, you answer with a resounding, “Yes!” We are continually humbled by the generosity of our volunteers, partners, and donors.

This year’s backpack and school supply drive for our BeFriend-A-Child Program faced a sudden challenge when an expected donation was no longer available. In this critical moment, Redman Fleet Services, Inc. stepped in with extraordinary generosity, donating 150 backpacks on very short notice. Their swift response ensured that every BeFriend-A-Child mentee plus their siblings received a brand-new backpack in time for the new school year.

The Redman family has deep roots in Fairfax County. As lifelong residents whose children and grandchildren have all attended, or currently attend, Fairfax County Public Schools, they care deeply about helping every child in our community to have the tools they need to succeed.

“We are profoundly grateful to Redman Fleet Services, Inc. and the entire Redman family,” said VPS supervisor, Sam Carrico. “Their commitment filled a critical gap. They showed the true community spirit that makes our work possible.”

Looking Ahead
We know that school success is about so much more than supplies—but having a new backpack, fresh notebooks, and the right tools can make a world of difference in how a student feels on that first day.

Thank you for being the reason that 808 students can step into their classrooms this year with dignity, confidence, and excitement.