Looking for a way to help needy children in your area?  While you and your parents are searching for school supplies, backpacks and clothing for your own back-to-school sendoff, there are many others in the community who need your help with these items.  Here are some ways you may help them:

1.  Find a backpack drive.  Do a google search in a major city nearby to find out which organizations are collecting backpacks and school supplies.  Contact the organization and see how you may help.  Boston and Philadelphia area residents:  Cradles to Crayons hosts a backpack-a-thon.
Feeding America sponsors backpack collections throughout the U.S.  Check out the link for one in your area.
The Salvation Army hosts backpack drives nationwide.  Google search your local chapter for more information.

2.  Create your own backpack collection.
CityTeam in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Portland and Philadelphia give you the tools to host your own backpack drive.
ReKindle.org publishes step-by-step instructions for a backpack drive in your area.
You may do the same with a school supply drive.
Be inspired by these 2 teens who started their own backpack drive.

3.  Contact local women’s shelters,  homeless organizations or orphanages .  They usually have a need for providing school supplies for the children in their transitional homes.  Also, back-to-school clothing is typically on their wish lists.  Inquire what sizes are needed for the kids living there.  What a powerful gift it is to give poor or neglected children new clothing and supplies for the start of school!