Planning for School Supplies

Every child deserves to walk into their classroom feeling ready, confident, and excited to learn. However, for many families, the start of a new school year can bring stress, especially when it comes to gathering the supplies students need to succeed. That’s why our school supply bags have become such a meaningful part of both our care bags and our annual back-to-school event.

Each bag is more than just pencils and paper. It’s a message. It says, “You matter. Your education matters. You are prepared.” We carefully prepare every school supply bag with essential items that help students start the year strong. We include things like notebooks, folders, crayons, pencils, and other classroom basics. What we’re really giving goes beyond supplies. We’re helping remove barriers, easing a burden for families, and most importantly, helping children walk into their schools with confidence, knowing they are just as prepared as their peers.

At our back-to-school event, the joy is unmistakable. Kids light up as they choose their bags, peek inside, and imagine the year ahead. Parents often express relief and gratitude, knowing this is one less worry on their list. It’s a simple act, but the impact reaches far beyond that moment. Including these supply bags in our care bags ensures that support continues throughout the year, not just at the start. Because need doesn’t follow a calendar, and neither should care.

We believe preparation builds confidence, and confidence fuels success. When a child has the tools they need, they can focus on learning, growing, and discovering their potential. As we continue this effort, we’re reminded that it truly takes a community. Every donated notebook, every packed bag, and every helping hand plays a part in shaping a brighter future for these students.

Together, we’re not just handing out school supplies; we’re helping open doors, spark hope, and set the stage for a successful school year. And that’s something worth carrying into every classroom!

How to Help

Early each summer, as school supplies begin filling store aisles, PS I Love You is already hard at work with community partners, gathering thousands of essential items for children in foster care. You can mobilize your entire organization, or simply take your own children shopping to provide a few pencil pouches packed with supplies. The supplies we distribute are truly a reflection of our entire community coming together!

3 Big Needs: Pencil Pouches, School Supplies, and Name-brand Backpacks

Pick a project that works best for you!

Pack a Pencil Pouch

Make a shopping list and head to the store, or shop online for these simple supplies:

• 1 cloth-style pencil pouch with a zipper (plastic doesn't last as long)

• 2 big pink erasers (or ~5 pencil top erasers will work)

• 1 pencil sharpener

• 2 highlighters (any color)

• 2 gluesticks (name brand is helpful so they don't dry out, please)

• 1 small pack of pens (~5 pens if breaking up larger packages)

• 2 dry-erase markers (any color)

• 1 small pack of pencils (~10 if breaking up larger packages)

• 1 pair of child scissors

All of these items should fit in the pencil pouch.

Turn in packed pencil pouches to PS I Love You Donation Center!

Fill a School Supply Bag

Contact info@psilvoeyouministries.org to request any number of school supply bags to fill with needed items, then stop by to pick them up,

OR simply recycle grocery bags to organize supplies as needed (and we can transfer to the school supply pouches later)

Purchase the following items needed for each bag:

• 1 pack of loose-leaf notebook paper (college or wide-ruled)

• 1 composition notebook

• 1 pocket folder

• 1 box of crayons (24 pack fits best, name-brand, please)

• 1 box of colored pencils (12 or 24 pack)

• 1 box of markers (10 pack, name-brand, please)

• 1 plastic ruler

(If you are also packing pencil pouches, add the pouch to your bag)

Return packed school supply bags to PS I Love You Donation Center!

Purchase Strong and Stylish Bookbags (older) or Character Backpacks (younger)

Remember, quality is key! Please focus on providing top-notch items rather than just having a large collection. Our families need supplies that will last. Our children want the same stylish bags or popular characters as your children do. Please provide brand-new, high-quality items because His Kids deserve the best!

Most requested for older kids and teens:

• Large size with a pouch for a laptop

• Black, gray, and other neutral colors

• Favorite brands: Nike and Adidas

Most requested for younger kids:

• Spiderman, Marvel, Batman, Jurassic Park, Minecraft, Sonic

• Disney princesses, unicorns, kitties, sparkles/bows/ruffles

To host a collection...

Contact PSILY and help us plan for the timing and dates of your collection. We can determine the biggest need and give you promo materials and collection bins to help your collection be a success!

CLICK HERE