The 25th Annual Backpacks for Kids Project, a community initiative dedicated to providing free school supplies and backpacks to Livingston County students whose families may be experiencing financial hardship, is gearing up for the 2026-27 school year.
This year marks a major milestone as the program celebrates 25 years of helping ensure local students begin the school year prepared and ready to succeed. What began as a small community drive has grown into a countywide effort that annually supports more than a thousand students from preschool through grade 12.
“This project continues to thrive because of the incredible generosity of our local community,” said Robin Schutz, one of the event’s organizers. “Each backpack filled represents support, encouragement, and opportunity for a student in Livingston County.”
Community members are encouraged to donate backpacks, school supplies, or monetary contributions to help meet this year’s goal of distributing 1,000 fully stocked backpacks.
One of the project’s signature events, the annual Stuff the Bus drive, is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Howell Walmart at Grand River Avenue and Latson Road. A Livingston ESA school bus will be parked outside the store, where shoppers can donate school supplies or backpacks while completing their own shopping.
Donations for the 2026 Backpacks for Kids Project will be accepted through July 30 at the Livingston ESA Education Center, at 1425 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Donations will be accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Additional drop-off locations and more information can be found on the Livingston ESA website.
The annual backpack distribution event will once again be held as a drive-through event on Thursday, Aug. 6, at each of the five Livingston County school districts.
More information, including additional donation locations and sponsorship opportunities, will be available soon and can also be found here.
Ways to support Backpacks for Kids
• Donate backpacks, school supplies, or monetary contributions at designated drop-off sites
• Make a monetary donation online.
• Attend the Stuff the Bus event on July 31 at Howell Walmart
• Become a sponsor for the Backpacks for Kids charity golf outing
• Share information about the project with friends, family, and community members
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