Imagine a child with a backpack in their favorite color, new shoes that fit them right, and clothing & school supplies picked just for them. They're not worried about having what they need—they're prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
With your help, that’s the difference our Back to School Drive makes for over 1,500 local children facing homelessness and poverty.
Kids don't just need a backpack to start off the school year. They also need school supplies, clothing, shoes, uniforms, and gift cards. While it starts with a backpack, having all the clothing and supplies they need leads to a stronger start to the school year—and less stress for parents struggling to make ends meet.
Donations are due August 5th to ensure items get to families in time for the first days of school!
Get Started
Click below to learn more about the different ways you can help! To sign up for any of these opportunities, contact Gina Davio by emailing GetInvolved@homefrontnj.org or calling 609-989-9417 x 112.
Organize a Supply Drive
There's power in numbers! Work with a group to collect supplies for local kids.
Perfect for:
- Businesses
- Schools
- Faith communities
- Civic organizations
- Neighborhood groups
Suggested drives:
- Backpack Drive
- School Supply Drive
- Uniform Basics Drive
- Gift Card Collection
Volunteer
Volunteer for two-hour shifts in our Drive Room in Lawrenceville: organizing donated supplies, packing supplies for unsponsored children, and more. Dates coming soon.
Make a Financial Contribution
Donating to our Back to School Fund enables us to purchase remaining needed items for unsponsored children. In addition to giving online at the button below, checks with "Back to School Drive" in the memo field can be mailed to:
Donation Drop-off Information
You can drop off items to the HomeFront Donation Center at 1880 Princeton Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm
- Saturday, 9am-12pm
The Donation Center is located at the third garage door, where we’re eager to greet you. We ask that you please do not leave donations when the Donation Center is closed.
FAQs
Sponsors will receive a child’s individualized needs list, which may include:
- Backpack
- School supplies
- Clothing sizes
- Shoe sizes
- Uniform needs (if applicable)
Each child’s needs vary based on age, grade, and school requirements. We also include information on a favorite or color the child may like to help you shop.
Email GetInvolved@homefrontnj.org or call 609-989-9417 x 112 to sponsor!
Absolutely! Community drives are a wonderful way to support local children and families. HomeFront welcomes partnerships with businesses, schools, faith communities, and civic organizations.
Most-needed items often include:
- New backpacks
- Notebooks and folders
- Pens, pencils, crayons, and markers
- Glue sticks and scissors
- Sneakers and shoes
- Uniform basics (khaki pants, polos)
- Headphones/earbuds
- Scientific calculators for older students
Yes! HomeFront typically reserves gift cards for students ages 14 and older, so teens can purchase age-appropriate clothing, shoes, and personal items that fit their individual needs and preferences.
Suggested gift cards include:
- Target
- Old Navy
- Children’s Place
- Walmart
Some Mercer County schools require uniforms or have specific dress code requirements. Common uniform items include:
- Khaki or navy pants
- White or light blue polo shirts
- Uniform sweaters
- Sneakers or closed-toe shoes
HomeFront Headquarters
1880 Princeton Avenue
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Our Donation Center is the third garage door.
Donations may be dropped off between: July 6 – August 5, 2026
Drop-off hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Limited pick-up options may be available depending on donation size and location.
Yes! Financial gifts help fill in the gaps. Donate online at the button above.
In addition to giving online, checks with "Back to School Drive" in the memo field can be mailed to:
Here are some examples:
JHD–148 (Katie)
HS–27 (Robert)
HE–08 (Taylor)
Common Mercer County district websites include:
- Hamilton Township Schools
- Trenton Public Schools
- Lawrence Township Public Schools
- Princeton Public Schools
- Ewing Public Schools
- Hopewell Valley Regional School District
- West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
- East Windsor Regional School District
- Robbinsville Township Public Schools
For questions about sponsoring a child, organizing a drive, donation drop-offs, or volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Gina Davio
Community Engagement Manager
GetInvolved@HomeFrontNJ.org
609-989-9417 ext. 112
To sign up for any of these opportunities, contact Gina Davio by emailing GetInvolved@homefrontnj.org or calling 609-989-9417 x 112.