Every child deserves to head back to school feeling confident, prepared, and excited for the year ahead — especially keiki in foster care. That's why we're proud to bring back our Annual Backpack Donation Drive, in partnership with Family Programs Hawaii, a local organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system.

With your generosity, we can provide foster keiki with the backpacks and essential school supplies they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Whether you shop and fill a backpack yourself or make a donation so we can do the shopping for you, you're helping change the life of a child right here in our community.

Our Goal

Provide at least 75 foster keiki with the supplies they need for a successful 2026–2027 school year.

How to Participate

Shop and drop: Pick up a school-sized backpack, fill it with the supplies listed below.

Locations: We are still in the process of confirming locations, so please check back soon with supporting businesses where you can make your drop offs too!

No time to shop? Donate instead! A $50 donation covers one fully stocked backpack, we'll do the shopping for you.

Venmo your donation to: @Shannon-King-77
🚀 Please include "Backpack Drive" in the notes.

✨ If you would like a tax-deductible donation receipt, it is available upon request. Just let us know when you donate and email a photo of your receipt to aloha@islandlivinghomes.com

Add a Personal Touch

In past years, many donors have included handwritten notes, stuffed animals, or other small surprises inside the backpacks. These thoughtful touches have brought so much joy to the keiki who receive them. If you'd like to add something special, we warmly welcome it, but it is completely optional and never expected. 💜

School Supply Checklist

• Pocket folders with horizontal pockets, plastic, with 3 holes, no prongs
• Pocket folders with horizontal pockets, plastic, with 3 holes, with prongs
• 1" 3-ring binder with inside pockets and clear view cover
• 1-1/2 inch 3-ring binder with inside pockets and clear view cover
• Spiral notebook (wide rule)
• Composition notebooks (wide rule)
• Filler paper (wide rule & college rule)
• Blank printer paper (100 pack)
• Index cards (3x5)
• Post-it notes
• Boxes of #2 pencils with eraser
• Pencil sharpener with cover (handheld)
• Boxes of black pens
• Colored pencils
• Crayons (24 count)
• Dry Erase Markers, black, fine and chisel tip
• Crayola Washable Markers (including fine-tip markers)
• Sharpie Permanent Markers (extra fine point & fine point)
• Highlighters (yellow and multi-color)
• Rulers
• Scissors (5" rounded tip; 7" sharp tip)
• Glue (bottles and sticks)
• Pentel polymer brand erasers
• School supply box (not to exceed 5 1/2" x 9" x 2 1/2")
• Crayola watercolor paint set with brush
• Stretchable book covers

✨ Backpacks will be distributed to students of all ages, including those in elementary, intermediate, and high school. If you're unsure which style to choose, a neutral-colored backpack is typically a safe and versatile option.

Spread the Word

Help us reach more families by sharing this event on social media. Use the hashtag #BackpackBuddies and tag @islandlivinghomes when you drop off your donation. Together, we can make sure every foster keiki starts the school year feeling prepared, supported, and full of hope. Thank you for your kindness and support.