This year, our supply drive goes beyond school supplies—it’s about making sure kids and families have the essentials they need to thrive both at home and in the classroom. To be successful, children need more than notebooks and pencils. They need clean clothes, the tools for good hygiene, a stable home, and caregivers who aren’t overwhelmed by stress. That’s what our Back2Basics drive works to bring to every home.

When a child’s basic needs are met, their future shines brighter. Let’s come together as a community to build that future.

A yellow school bus displays a light blue banner with colorful painted letters that say "Stuff the Bus: Basic Needs Drive."

At last year's Stuff the Bus event, this bus was packed with donations by the time we left at 7 p.m.

An orange school bus that says "Early Learning and Family Services: a dept. of The Opportunity Council" is filled with household and school supplies.

The school bus at last year's Whatcom Stuff the Bus drive was packed with school, home, and hygiene supplies!

A man stands in front of a yellow school bus, smiling and holding a check.

This generous gentleman, Tony, from My Garden Nursery made a huge donation last year that warmed our hearts.

What We’re Collecting

We’re hosting a Back-to-School Basic Needs Drive for children and families, because every child deserves to start the school year confident, healthy, and prepared. In addition to backpacks and school supplies, we’re collecting:

  • Hygiene items like toothbrushes, deodorant, and soap, so kids show up feeling clean and confident
  • Diapers and wipes for families with infants and toddlers, so little ones can stay dry and healthy
  • Move-in essentials to help families settle into new housing
  • Cash donations to help cover school-related costs like ASB cards, sports fees, emergency childcare, and more

A huge factor in a child’s school success is what life is like at home. When families can meet their basic needs, it reduces stress, improves health, and sets kids up for success in school—and life.

See what items we’re accepting
A high school student smiles at the camera as she uses her phone in the hallway.

We're collecting black backpacks for high schoolers, along with other school supplies and a wide variety of other essential items for students and families.

A mother and daughter do their laundry together.

Our drive covers basic needs for families, including laundry supplies and other hygiene items.

Two kids hold laundry and dish detergent while smiling. A yellow school bus is visible in the far background.

At last year's Stuff the Bus, these kiddos also got in on the fun of donating to people in need.

Make a Difference: Here’s How You Can Help

  1. Make a Financial Donation

Monetary gifts allow us to respond directly to what each family needs most, right when they need it. From helping cover fees for school activities to supporting emergency needs, your donation makes a lasting difference.

Donate Here

2. Host a Drive at Your Business or Organization

Looking to connect with your community and make a difference? Organize a drive to collect much-needed items like:

  • Diapers and hygiene items
  • Backpacks and school supplies
  • Household move-in kits for families exiting homelessness
Learn how to host a drive

3. Stop By a Stuff the Bus Event

You can be a part of the community coming together in a big way! Help Stuff the Bus by bringing donations to one of our drop-off events:

  • Bellingham – August 11 at Lakeway Fred Meyer
  • Oak Harbor – Date TBD

Bring supplies, meet volunteers, and help send kids back to school with everything they need to succeed.

Learn how to participate

4. Sponsor our Drive

Become a Back2Basics sponsor and help us make our community drives and Stuff the Bus events possible!

Sponsorships support all the efforts that allow us to meet urgent needs throughout the community. Your sponsorship shows that you believe in a future where every child is prepared and every family is supported.

By sponsoring, you:

  • Help fund event materials and transportation
  • Amplify community awareness
  • Empower families through direct support
Learn more about becoming a sponsor
A big box covered in blue paper holds supplies ranging from school supplies to period supplies to baby wipes.

Our big blue boxes collect items like school supplies, period and hygiene supplies, and baby essentials.

A counter, table, and floor piled high with home items like appliances, food, towels, laundry detergent, and toiletries.

After last year's Back2Basics drive, our front desk was overflowing with supplies, thanks to the outpouring of support!

A woman smiles and waves from a table with an Opportunity Council tablecloth that has tabling materials on it and a sign that says "Stuff the Bus." A donation box on the right is filled with stuff. A big banner in the back bears the Opportunity Council logo.

Team member Teya greeted shoppers from our info table at last year's Stuff the Bus at Lakeway Fred Meyer.

Help Build a Brighter Future

Our community’s future depends on the investments we make today. When families have access to home essentials, hygiene, and school support, kids can grow up healthy and thrive in everything they do.

Together, we can reduce stress, support caregivers, and make sure every kid has what they need to thrive.

Let’s do our part to build the future by showing up for families today.