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JFS Silicon Valley’s Backpack Drive Celebrates 10 Years, Aiming to Help Over 150 Students this Season

Updated: Jul 9


Equipped to Learn Back-to-School Drive is running this June and July
Equipped to Learn Back-to-School Drive is running this June and July

Continuing a tradition JFS Silicon Valley has proudly upheld since 2015, the Equipped to Learn (ETL) Back-to-School Drive returns this June. 


This community-wide effort brings together staff, volunteers, and partners to support our school-age clients and adult learners by collecting backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards for clothes and shoes.


This year’s drive runs from June 24 to July 13, aiming to support approximately 100 school-age students and 50 adult learners as they prepare for the upcoming fall semester. Once the supplies are collected, we’ll need volunteers to help pack the backpacks during scheduled shifts from July 17 to 22 (see the full schedule here). A special community backpack-packing event will be held on Sunday, July 20. Families and children are encouraged to participate and help make a difference. Students can pick up their backpacks and supplies between July 23 and 29.


Get Involved This Summer 


Whether you’re looking to volunteer or donate, ETL is a meaningful way to connect with JFS Silicon Valley and make a difference. Join our dedicated volunteer team with flexible part-time or full-time shifts, or contribute in one of the following ways: 


  • Choose items to donate through our SignUpGenius.

  • Purchase back-to-school supplies in stores and drop them off at JFS. 

  • Give Target gift cards in $25 or $50 amounts to help with clothing and shoes. 

  • Mail a check to: JFS Silicon Valley - PO Box 320490, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Please write “Equipped to Learn” in the memo line. 

  • Volunteer. Learn more about open positions and hours.


If you know a student in Silicon Valley who could benefit from support, please contact our office at (408) 556-0600. 


Community partners


Our community partners play a vital role in the success of our ETL program. Together with our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, they help make the backpack drive a success year after year. Here’s the list of participating organizations:


  • All Saints Episcopal Church Palo Alto

  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (South San Jose, Menlo Park)

  • Congregation Beth David

  • Congregation Sinai

  • Rotary Club of Los Gatos

  • Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

  • Temple Beth Torah

  • Temple Emanu-El

  • The Villages Jewish Group

  • Jewish Silicon Valley (including APJCC Preschool/Camp)

 

Together, we can ensure that every student returns to school prepared and confident.

 
 
 

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