Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Where do we drop off the backpacks?

At our warehouse!

2.   How do I become a sponsor of the Back-to-School Drive ?

There are many sponsorship opportunities, please click here for more information.

3.   I ran out of cards, how do I get more?

Email our office or call (408) 946-3111 and we will send more cards ASAP.

4.   What do I do with left over cards?

At the completion of the Back-to-School Drive you can send leftover cards back to our office.

5.   Are red and blue backpacks still not allowed?

Correct, most schools do not allow red or blue backpacks on campus for security reasons, so we ask that you please choose alternate colors.

6.   What items are not allowed in the back packs?

Please do not include food, money, gift certificates, white out, permanent markers or rubber cement in your back pack.

7.   When are the backpacks due to the warehouse?

Backpacks are generally due in August.  Please check the calendar of events for the official due date.

8.   I would like to volunteer, how do I find out about opportunities?

We always need help! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at the Family Giving Tree for more information.

9.   Is it too late to become a host?

No, we will sign hosts up until the last day but remember, backpacks are due to the warehouse in August!  For the official due dates, please check our calendar of events.

10.   How do I sign up to receive back packs?

You must be registered with a local participating agency/school to receive backpacks through the Back-to-School Drive . If you are an agency that would like to sign up to receive backpacks, please contact The Family Giving Tree office .

11.   Other than buying a backpack and filling it myself, are there other ways to give?

Yes! You may purchase a backpack through our online store, make a monetary donation to our program, or become a sponsor of the Back-to-School Drive.

12.   How do I get my cards and posters once I register?

You can pick your cards up at the Kick Off Luncheon, otherwise our office staff will be mailing/delivering the cards and posters. If you are in the Milpitas area and would like to pick the cards up yourself, please contact the Family Giving Tree office.

13.   If I'm not a host, how do I get a card to donate a backpack?

You can contact our office and we will send a card(s) directly to you, or check out our suggested items list, purchase a backpack, fill it up and drop your donation off at the warehouse!

14.   Why does the drive start so early in the year?

The agencies receiving backpacks from the Back-to-School Drive need time to hand them out before school starts in mid August.

15.  When is the warehouse open?

The warehouse will be open starting Monday, August 6th.  For maps and directions, please visit the warehouse page.

16.  What are the suggested items to include in the backpack?

Click here to see the suggested items to include in the backpacks.