*Original publication date: June 20, 2024. Updated: August 8, 2024.*

Help supply our mentored youth and their families with all the tools needed to be successful at school and at home!

Our aim is to ensure that all children and their families can not only survive but thrive throughout the school year. The supply drive will run from July 1 to August 20, and we will give supplies to families on August 29.

There are three ways YOU can help!

1. Bring Donations to the YWCA

Shop for needed back-to-school supplies (listed below) and bring them to the YWCA Cortland front desk between July 1 and August 26th.

Please only donate NEW and UNUSED items.

2. Purchase off our Amazon Wish List

Unable to shop and drop off gifts in person?

You can purchase gifts from our Back to School Supply Amazon Wish List. To send the gifts straight to the YWCA, choose “Melinda Anne Gardner” for the shipping address, and we’ll handle the rest!

3. Make a Monetary Gift

Don’t have time to shop but want to support? Donate online or at the front desk so the program can shop for the necessary supplies.

Need back-to-school assistance?

The BFK Back to School Supply Drive is primarily for children ages 5-12 already enrolled in the YWCA Cortland Bridges for Kids mentoring program. These children receive priority in the supply giveaway.

Sign up to Receive Supplies (Deadline to sign up TBD)

If your child is not currently enrolled in Bridges for Kids, you may sign them up now to receive this assistance and more throughout the year.

Sign up for Bridges for Kids

Bridges for Kids is a free youth program that stresses the importance of education, healthy exercise, creative outlets, and new experiences such as attending museums and sporting events. The program provides monthly family activities for all enrolled families and assists with school supplies, holiday dinners, and gifts.

Supply Pick-up: August 29, 2024 at the YWCA

List of highly needed items:

Needed School Items:

  • High-quality backpacks with durable zippers!
  • Crayons
  • 1, 3, and 5-subject notebooks
  • Large binders that can carry notebooks and supplies
  • Pens and pencils
  • Markers (Crayola, Sharpie, and whiteboard)
  • Loose-leaf paper
  • Posterboard
  • Please also reference the Amazon Wish List for ideas of items that are needed!
 Needed Home Items:

  • Bath towels
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Baby wipes
  • Cleaning products
  • Grocery store gift cards
  • Please also reference the Amazon Wish List for ideas of items that are needed!

Please ensure all donations are delivered to the YWCA before August 20!

Any questions regarding donations should be directed to Mentoring Director Mindy Gardner at bridges@cortlandywca.org.

*Content included in this post was accurate on the date it was published. All information and pricing are subject to change without notice.*