Fairfax Nonprofit Seeks Backpacks, Funds For Local Students In Need

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax-based nonprofit Britepaths is seeking financial donations and new backpacks from the community in July 2022 to assist 2,500 students in need who attend schools in the Fairfax County area.

Financial donations to Britepaths’ Collect for Kids Back to School Program this summer will allow the organization to purchase pre-assembled school supply kits for 2,500 students in Fairfax County Public Schools’ Fairfax High School and Justice High School pyramids.

The organization is also collecting 700 new backpacks, which may be dropped off at local partner businesses or ordered through Amazon.

Community members are asked to donate funds via Britepaths’ secure online donation page at this link or mail a check to 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Write “Back to School” in the memo line. For more information, phone 703-273-8829 or email events@britepaths.org.

Community members may also drop off new backpacks (large sizes are most needed) at local businesses listed below or order via an Amazon Wish List linked on Britepaths’ Back to School page. A list of schools whose students are served through this program is below.
Backpack Donation Sites, July 1 through Aug. 1:

• Alya Salon & Spa, 139 Park St., Vienna, VA 22180
• Twins Ace Hardware Fairfax, 10310-B Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030
• University Mall Theatres, 10659-A Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032
• Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream, 11208 Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA 22030
• Cinema Arts Theatre, 9650-14 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22031
• Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030

"Britepaths is grateful to Godman Power Group, Inc. and Twins Ace Hardware for sponsoring the Back to School Program. Additional sponsorships are welcomed," the nonprofit said in a news release.

In addition to collecting backpacks throughout July, Twins Ace Hardware in Fairfax City is hosting a “round-up at the register” donation campaign July 11-31. Customers may choose to donate the change they would have received from their purchase to Britepaths’ Back to School Program.

“Working families in our community who were already dealing with the effects of the prolonged pandemic have been further stretched by the higher costs of food, gas, rent and other necessities. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, the thought of having to find funds for school supplies on top of everything else is extremely stressful," Lisa Whetzel, Britepaths’ Executive Director, said.

"We are grateful to all who are donating this summer to help ease that stress for families and allow children who might otherwise go without be able to start off the new school year unashamed and with all the supplies they need," she continued.

Britepaths’ Collect for Kids Back to School FCPS Partner Schools:

Fairfax High School Pyramid

• Daniels Run ES
• Eagle View ES
• Fairfax HS
• Fairfax Adult HS
• Katherine Johnson MS
• Providence ES
• Willow Springs ES

Justice High School Pyramid

• Bailey’s Upper ES
• Glen Forest ES
• Justice HS

Other

• Fairfax Villa ES