Annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive

Help Foster Keiki Start School Strong

Every child deserves to head back to school feeling confident, prepared, and excited for the year ahead — especially keiki in foster care. That’s why we’re proud to bring back our Annual Backpack Donation Drive, in partnership with Family Programs Hawaii, a local organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system.

With your generosity, we can provide foster keiki with the backpacks and essential school supplies they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Whether you shop and fill a backpack yourself or make a donation so we can do the shopping for you, you’re helping change the life of a child right here in our community.

Our Goal

Provide at least 75 foster keiki with the supplies they need for a successful 2025–2026 school year. 🎒📓

How to Participate

Shop and drop: Pick up a school-sized backpack, fill it with the supplies listed below, and drop it off at either of our two participating Starbucks locations in Kailua.

• Aikahi Shopping Center - 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive

• Keolu Shopping Center - 1020 Keolu Drive

No time to shop? Donate instead! A $50 donation covers one fully stocked backpack — we’ll do the shopping for you.

Venmo your donation to: @Shannon-King-77

📌 Please include "Backpack Drive" in the notes.

✨If you would like a tax-deductible donation receipt, it is available upon request. Just let us know when you donate and email a photo of your receipt to aloha@islandlivinghomes.com

Add a Personal Touch

Last year, we were deeply moved by donors who included handwritten notes, stuffed animals, and fun extras inside the backpacks. These small, thoughtful gestures meant so much to the keiki. If you have the time — whether you're participating with your own child or as an individual — we welcome and appreciate these heartfelt additions. While not required, they truly make a difference. 💜🧸📝

School Supply Checklist

• Pocket folders

• Spiral notebook

• Composition notebook

• Pack of paper

• Index cards

• Post-its

• Box of pencils

• Box of black or blue pens

• Box of colored pencils

• Box of crayons

• Box of markers

• Fine markers

• Highlighters

• Cap erasers

• Ruler

• Pair of scissors

• Glue bottle or glue sticks

• Stretchable book covers

✨Backpacks will be distributed to children of all ages, including elementary, intermediate, and high school students.

Spread the Word

Help us reach more families by sharing this event on social media. Use the hashtag #BackpackBuddies and tag @islandlivinghomes when you drop off your donation. Together, we can make sure every foster keiki starts the school year feeling prepared, supported, and full of hope. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Check out last years donation!