In addition to clothes, backpacks, hygiene products and school supplies, the nonprofit also is requesting gift cards that families will use to shop for their children. Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco are the most popular choices, according to Preston.
The annual event serves hundreds of students in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park's Belle Haven neighborhood who are in need of donations to reduce the outside stressors of the school experience.
Families who wish to benefit from the program can register with Ecumenical Hunger until supplies run out, according to Preston. Anyone who wishes to donate is encouraged to do so as soon as possible, although there is no deadline.
Gift cards and donations can be dropped off at 2411 Pulgas Ave. in East Palo Alto on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 650-323-7781 or go to ehpcares.org.
Stanford Shopping Center's 'Do Good with Denim' campaign
Stanford Shopping Center will host its inaugural "Do Good With Denim" campaign Aug. 1-21 in partnership with Samaritan House, a San Mateo-based nonprofit that provides food, shelter and other services to low-income residents. Community members can donate any used denim item, including jeans, jackets, shirts, skirts and more, according to Simon Property Group, the parent company of Stanford Shopping Center.
Samaritan House plans to add the donated denim products to its Kid’s Closet, which allows children to select clothes without financial worries. The campaign organizers also hope to promote sustainability by recycling denim, rather than disposing of it.
Customers who donate any denim item will be eligible to receive discounts at participating stores, according to Simon Property Group. The participating stores are Everlane, The Gap, Levi’s, Lucky Brand, Madewell, Urban Outfitters, Amour Vert and Anthropologie.
If you know of an organization hosting a back-to-school donation drive, send detailed information, including requested items, the deadline for donations and a point of contact, to Digital Editor Jamey Padojino at [email protected].