The Action Center Launches Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive to Help More Than 5,000 Jefferson County Students
Community donations and volunteers will help local students start the year prepared, with free supply distribution set for Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
Back-to-school season is one of the largest annual expenses many families face, with households now spending an average of more than $890 per child on supplies and essentials. To help local students start the year ready to learn, the Action Center has launched its annual Back to School Supply Drive to provide school supplies to more than 5,000 students across Jefferson County.
Rising costs for school supplies, food, housing, and utilities have made it harder for many Jefferson County families to prepare for the new school year. The Action Center works directly with Jeffco Public Schools to identify the supplies students need most and to make sure resources reach families efficiently.
“No child should have to start the school year without the basics they need to succeed,” said Pam Brier, CEO of the Action Center. “When our community comes together to fill a backpack, it tells a student they are seen, supported, and set up to thrive.”
Community members can support the drive online. Through the Action Center’s online supply drive, donors can purchase discounted backpacks and supply kits that ship directly to the Action Center for distribution. Because the program is 100% community-funded, every contribution helps a local student access the tools they need for a successful school year.
Families with students enrolled in Jeffco Public Schools, from Pre-K through 12th grade, can receive free school supplies at the Action Center’s Back-to-School Supply Distribution on Wednesday, Aug. 5 and Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at Everitt Middle School, 3900 Kipling St. in Wheat Ridge. An appointment is required, and registration is open from Wednesday, June 22 through Monday, July 27, 2026. Families with questions can call 720-407-6670.
The distribution is one of the Action Center’s largest community events of the year and depends on volunteer support. Community members who want to help can sign up for a shift at theactioncenter.org/schoolsupplies.
To purchase supplies, volunteer, or learn more, visit theactioncenter.org/schoolsupplies.