Send Children to School Prepared!
Leading a Back to School Drive is an incredible way to help local kids in need just in time for the new school year. Last year, generous donors supported more than 21,000 Bay Area students in need with backpacks and school supplies. Many others still need our help!
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Send Children to School Prepared
Leading a Back to School Drive is an incredible way to help local kids in need just in time for the new school year. This drive focuses on the children as individuals; pairing a backpack and school supply wish list with a name. By leading a Back to School Drive drive, you’re not only providing the wealth of education, you’re also joining the Family Giving Tree community.
About Our Drives
More than 388,000 children are enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Meal Program (Title I) in the Bay Area; criteria we use for targeting backpack recipients. These children face many barriers to success in the classroom, including engaging in career fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Supply-filled backpacks provide necessary tools for students, the critical first step to help them soar.
When leading the Family Giving Tree Back to School Drive, you’re sending kids to school with the tools they need to succeed. Back to School wish cards are sent in June to companies, groups, and organizations who want to donate. Wish Drive leaders post the cards for their co-workers, friends, and family to choose from, and shop for. Backpacks and supplies are collected and brought to our warehouse by these individual volunteers. Once the drive is complete, our Elves distribute them to low-income students via teachers and school service agencies. It's not too early to plan for your Back to School Drive! Register today!
Virtual Giving Trees
Looking for an alternative for those who cannot purchase a physical gift or backpack? Setting up a custom Virtual Giving Tree is easy! This option makes participation possible for individuals without time to shop, or employees working remotely. It also offers the chance to give after the physical gift deadline has passed. Your custom Virtual Giving Tree includes a personalized webpage with your group’s logo and name and a continuously updated counter that tracks participation and total donations. For more information: Email Dawn, FGT Host Coordinator or call (408) 946-3111 Ext. 226
Participants
Companies
Civic Groups
Families
Youth
Important Dates
What are your fellow Elves up to, anyway?
Now: HWD Wrap Up
Early April: BTS Registration
June, 2013: BTS Materials Sent
JUNE 5th
BTS Kick-Off Luncheon
11am-1pm
Santa Clara, CA
Join the Family Giving Tree as we kick off the 2013 Back to School Drive on June 5th in Santa Clara. Drop by anytime between 11am and 1pm to pick up your company's backpack cards, host packet, and learn more about this year's Back to School Drive. An invitation to all registered Back to School Drive hosts will be sent in early May.
4 Tips For a Successful Drive
Display your posters and/or cards in very visible, heavily trafficked areas. Keep materials fully stocked.
Have your advocates post materials and spread the word via email, social networking or even in person. Link to our YouTube channel or share pictures from our photo albums!
Reminders! A little motivation like candy or a notecard with announcements never hurts. Need help with your announcement? Contact us today!
Coordinate a launch event (lunch, ice cream social, dance party, etc.) and get your group excited about the Family Giving Tree. The more they know the more they’ll want to be involved.
Ready to lead your own drive? Let’s go!