While backpacks and school supplies often receive the most attention, many students begin the school year without basic essentials like hygiene products, properly fitting athletic shoes, socks, and underwear. Your donation helps students feel clean, confident, and ready to learn.
Every Child Deserves to Walk into School Feeling like they Belong.
Contribute to this important drive July 1 - August 29!
Many North Thurston students experience homelessness or financial hardship. Having clean socks, new underwear, appropriately fitting athletic shoes, and hygiene essentials provides more than comfort, it restores confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
A new toothbrush or pair of socks may seem small, but to a student starting school, it sends an important message:
- YOU MATTER.
- WE CARE ABOUT YOU.
- WE BELIEVE IN YOU.
Last year, more than 954 students in North Thurston Public Schools experienced homelessness, and more than 6,018 students lived in households facing financial hardship. For many students, starting school isn't just about backpacks and pencils, it's about having basic essentials like hygiene items, socks, underwear, and athletic shoes that fit.
The Forgotten Back-to-School Needs Drive helps provide these everyday necessities so every student can begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
How to Help:
Community members can support local students by donating needed items during the drive period.
Most Needed Items (New Only):
- Full-size Shampoo, Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Sanitary pads (thin & thick)
- Deodorant (Men’s & Women’s)
- Laundry Pods
- Tissues & toilet paper
- Liquid dish soap
- Children’s Tennis Shoes (Boys & Girls size 12 & 13)
- Youth & Adult Athletic Shoes ( Boys & Girls size 1-11)
- Boys & Girls socks & underwear (all sizes, kids – adult Large)
* We ask that all donations be new to support both our collection partners and the students we serve. New items are easier for our business drop-off locations to collect and distribute, and they ensure every child receives clean, quality essentials. More importantly, receiving something new provides dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging—helping students start the school year knowing their community cares about them.
Drop-Off Locations & Participating Businesses
Donations may be dropped off at any of the following community partner locations during their regular business hours:
- Vert Chiropractic, 4444 Lacey Blvd SE #E, Lacey, WA 98503
- Café Elite, 130 Marvin Rd SE, Suite 130, Lacey, WA 98503
- Top Rung Brewing Company, 8343 Hogum Bay Ln NE, Lacey, WA 98516
- 4th Dimension Computers, 3315 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
- 1st Security Bank, 601 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503
- Capital Place Retirement Community, 700 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
-
Great Floors, 7800 Martin Way E., Lacey, WA 98516
-
Peak Credit Union Lacey Crossroads, 4550 Avery Ln SE, Lacey, WA 98503
-
Farrelli’s Pizza, 4870 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Short on Time? We can help.
If shopping isn't in your schedule, a financial donation is another meaningful way to support the drive. We'll use your gift to purchase the new items students need most, ensuring every dollar has a direct impact.
You're Making a Difference
When one student received a new pair of shoes through NTEF, he ran down the hallway beaming, eager to show the school secretary. His previous shoes had holes along the sides, and the broken sole caused him to trip when he walked. Those worn shoes had originally been handed down from another student, and they were still considered his “good shoes.”
For McKinney Vento Student Navigator Teresa Moran, the moment was a powerful reminder of how even small acts of support can change a student’s confidence, comfort, and ability to learn. Thanks to NTEF donors, students facing homelessness and hardship are receiving essentials like shoes, clothing, and hygiene support so they can walk into school feeling safe, warm, and ready to succeed.