Princeton Launches 16th Annual Backpack Drive For Low-Income Students

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's Human Services Department is launching its 16th Annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive to help local children from low-income families prepare for the upcoming school year.

The program provides free backpacks and school supplies to students entering kindergarten through eighth grade in Princeton Public Schools.

Over the past 15 years, the initiative has relied on donations from Princeton University, municipal employees, local businesses, organizations, and residents to support hundreds of local families.

Items can be dropped off at the Princeton Human Services office at 1 Monument Drive through Friday, August 7.

Donors can contribute backpacks, school supplies, or both.

Here’s a list of needed supplies:

• Cartoon/Animated Backpacks (Most Needed)
• Binders
• Glue sticks (Most needed)
• Graphing Calculators
• Scissors
• Erasers (Most needed)
• Scotch Tape
• Pencils & Pens
• Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers
• Folders
• Notebooks (Spiral and NonSpiral)
• Paper (Lined, 3-holed, Plain)
• Post-Its
• Pencil Cases (Most needed)
• Rulers
• Highlighters
• Pocket-sized Tissues
• Dividers
• Laptop Sleeves

Families interested in receiving supplies can apply in-person only, with applications due by Friday, Aug.1. For an application click here.

The Human Services Department has already distributed hundreds of applications to eligible families.

For more information, contact Human Services at (609) 688-2055 or humanservices@princetonnj.gov.

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