Uptown Back to School Drives and Fundraisers That Need Your Support This Year

It’s back-to-school time and students are eager to take on the year ahead. But for parents and guardians, it can be stressful navigating rising costs and the growing list of school supplies. Same too for teachers who also feel the financial burden, dipping into their own funds to provide their students with much-needed supplies in the classroom.

Last year, we rounded up a list of Uptown school supply drives that needed support and we’re returning this year with an updated lineup.

Know of another fundraiser or school supply drive that we should include? Send us an email.

Columbia Community Service 8th Annual ‘Back-2-School’ Drive

Through August 28

Columbia Community Service (CCS), Columbia University Facilities and Operations’ Construction Business Initiative unit, and Columbia’s Office of Public Safety are teaming up with Harlem’s 26th Precinct to equip young scholars in the community with the supplies needed to successfully ease into the school year. Whether you reside in Harlem or the Heights, there are several ways to get involved. 

Drop-off locations include: 

• Public Safety Operations Office Room at Low Library on the University’s Morningside Heights campus (Room 111, 535 W. 116th St.)
• Public Safety Operations at the Manhattanville campus (3270 Broadway)
• Public Safety Operations office at William Black Medical Research Building at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Room 109, 650 W. 168th St.)
• Office of Community Engagement & Inclusion at Milbank Hall, Barnard College (Room 010, 604-606 W. 120th St.) 
• CARES Response Suite at Elliott Hall, Barnard College (First Floor, 49 Claremont Ave.)
• Office of Community & Diversity Affairs at Zankel Hall, Teachers College (525 W. 120th St.)
• Office of Public Safety at Whittier Hall, Teachers College (Room 1A, 1230 Amsterdam Ave.)

The items will be distributed at the 8th Annual Back-2-School community event on August 31, which will feature hair-braiders, face painting, face tattoos, and plenty of food for everyone. 

Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem Annual Back to School Drive

Through August 25

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is an organization that provides a variety of public defense services, including to youth and families impacted by the child welfare system. NDS hosts yearly back-to-school drives, but this year is special. They’re hoping to double their impact and help more than 150 Harlem children walk into school with brand new supplies in September. Help NDS reach their goal by purchasing items from their Amazon and Target wishlists.

New York State of Mind Annual Back to School Drive

Through August 26

Launched in 2009, New York State of Mind (NYSOM) employs a wide range of services dedicated to improving the quality of life for the communities they serve. Every year, they hold an annual drive to supply students from underserved communities the supplies they need for the upcoming school year, partnering with Manhattan Mini Storage to accept donations from all over the borough. NYSOM will be distributing school supplies to students at El Barrio Garden in East Harlem during their The Wizard of Oz: Back to School event on August 26. 

Graham Windham Back to School Drive

Through September

Graham Windham has been helping families and children in New York CIty for more than 200 years through impactful community-centered programs in Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, This year, Graham Windham, a CCS grantee, is continuing its tradition of hosting an annual drive for backpacks, clothes, shoes, and tech to distribute to youth across the city.

Bookbag Giveaway at Riverside Church

Through September 2

The Riverside Hawks, founded by Riverside Church in Morningside Heights, is requesting school supplies for their upcoming bookbag giveaway. Bookbags full of materials will be passed out to youth starting school in September, with the goal of providing over two hundred students in the West Harlem community with a backpack and supplies they need to succeed. 

Any and all donations are welcome, including notebooks, pens and pencils, fruit snacks, folders, and of course, backpacks. The Hawks are also welcoming informational packets listing local opportunities for parents searching for employment or youth programming for their students.

Donations can be dropped off at or delivered to Riverside Church on 90 Claremont Ave, The 'Bookbag Giveaway' will be held at Riverside Church on September 2nd, from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Inquiries about donations and opportunities to volunteer can be sent to Alicia Barksdale. 
 

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare: 2nd Annual Back to School Youth Resource Event

September 2

On September 2, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare will host her Second Annual Back to School Youth Resource event. Held at Marcus Garvey Park Amphitheatre, the event, aims to prepare youth for a successful year by equipping them with essential back-to-school resources, school supplies, and engaging workshops. 

The Ascension Food Pantry Backpack Giveaway

September 2

The Ascension Food Pantry, which has distributes food every Saturday from their location on 221 W 107th St., will be giving away backpacks with supplies for local students on Saturday, September 2 beginning at noon. The Ascension Food Pantry is a Columbia Community Service grantee, and will be hosting this backpack giveaway alongside the office of City Councilman Shaun Abreu. Students must be present to receive a backpack. 

New York Cares Fourth Annual Stand with Students Campaign

Through September 8

Labeled as both a fundraising campaign and year-long theme for NYC Cares’ educational programming, Stand with Students sends families, teachers, and students a simple message: you are not alone. In addition to collecting donations to fill backpacks with school supplies, NYC Cares will also be using donations to fund educational programs for SAT prep, college prep, and creative writing classes.