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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Alexandria City Public Schools is asking businesses, community groups and residents to help fill 3,500 backpacks with school supplies before the 2026-27 school year begins — the same goal the division hit last year with support from 25 organizations and more than 40 volunteers.
Donations of new backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at Alexandria City High School, 3330 King Street, Monday through Thursday, through Aug. 10. Schools are closed on Fridays during the summer.
The annual ACPS Backpack & School Supply Drive distributes filled backpacks to PreK-12 students across the division. As families continue to navigate rising costs, organizers say community support is especially important this year.
There are several ways to participate:
- Purchase new backpacks or items from the ACPS school supply list by grade or Amazon wish list and drop them off at a collection point
- Organize a backpack or supply drive with your neighborhood or organization
- Host a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to the drive
- Write handwritten "Welcome Back" notes to include in donated backpacks
Groups collecting larger quantities can use this online form to indicate their commitment and request a pickup by ACPS staff; a minimum donation is required for pickup.
More information, including a flier and social media graphics, is available at acps.k12.va.us/backpacks. Questions can be directed to face@acps.k12.va.us.
