Every child deserves to walk into their classroom on the first day of school feeling prepared, confident, and excited to learn. At Bridges to Independence, we work with families overcoming homelessness and poverty in Arlington County.

Our Back-to-School Drive helps ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed from day one.

Ways to Help

Make a Financial Contribution

Your donation allows us to purchase supplies that are most needed and fill gaps as student needs arise.

$55 provides favorite pair of new shoes.
$250 provides a laptop for middle or high schoolers.
$500 helps a family purchase school clothes.
$1,000 covers school lunches for the year.

Donate School Supplies

Donations can be dropped off at: Scramble Parkour, 2900 S. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22206. Donations accepted through August 16, 2026.

Most Needed School Supplies

✏️ Writing & Drawing Supplies

Pre-sharpened #2 pencils
Mechanical pencils and extra lead
Blue, black, and red ballpoint pens
24-count crayons
Colored pencils
Washable thick-tip markers
Washable fine-tip markers
Highlighters (yellow, pink, green, and blue)

📓 Notebooks, Paper & Organization

Spiral notebooks
Composition notebooks
Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
College-ruled loose-leaf paper
Graph paper
4" x 6" index cards
3" x 3" sticky notes

📁 Folders, Binders & Dividers

Solid color 2-pocket folders (without prongs)
Heavy-duty plastic 2-pocket folders with brads
1-inch binders
Heavy-duty 3-inch binders
8-tab divider packs
Zippered binders

✂️ Classroom Essentials

5" blunt/rounded kids' scissors
Large pink erasers
Clear plastic pencil boxes

🎒 Student Accessories

Backpacks
Over-ear headphones
Wired earbuds (3.5mm jack)
Reusable water bottles

🏫 Classroom & Teacher Supplies

Boxes of facial tissues
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer with pump
Slider zipper bags (sandwich, quart, and gallon sizes)
Dry erase markers
Dry erase erasers
Paper towels

Thank you for investing in the future of Arlington's children and families. ❤️

Back to School Drive 2026