Backpacks and notebooks are only part of the story.
For many families served by Caritas of Waco, preparing for the school year also means making sure their children have food to pack, a way to carry it, and the everyday essentials that help them stay focused, confident, and ready to learn.
That’s why we’re launching a different kind of school drive—one that goes beyond traditional supplies to support the whole child.
Drive Details
Dates: July 1st-August 4th
Drop-off Location: 300 S 15th St, Waco, TX 76701
Point of Contact: Allison Denman
The Back-to-School Essentials Drive focuses on practical, food-related, and daily living items that students rely on every day—but are often overlooked.
These essentials help families:
- Pack school lunches and after school snacks
- Stay hydrated and healthy
- Reduce financial stress during the school year
Because when basic needs are met, students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and thriving.
How You Can Help
You can make a direct impact on a local student by donating new, unused items from our curated wish list.
Every donation helps ensure a child has:
- Food for the school day
- Tools to stay organized
- Confidence to show up ready
Our Back-to-School Essentials Drive serves students across a wide range of ages, from Pre-K through 12th grade. Because of this, we’re collecting a variety of items that meet the unique needs of young children, elementary students, middle schoolers, and teens. Whether it’s a lunch box for a first grader, a reusable water bottle for a middle school student, or healthy snacks for a busy high schooler, every donation helps a local student succeed.