Book Bag & School Supplies Program

Help give children of struggling Fauquier families a great first day of school

For over 20 years, Fauquier FISH has provided book bags of school supplies to children in need through our Book Bag School Supply (BBSS) program. This program is a collaborative effort with members of the community to support students facing financial hardships. FISH oversees the enrollment process for families interested in the program and facilitates the pairing of donors with students. Donors are then tasked with procuring backpacks and supplies, tailored to the assigned child’s unique school and grade level. Each August, FISH distributes these bags to families on behalf of donors.

Our distribution for the 2024-2025 school year was held on Aug 10, 2024 and 1,285 backpacks with school supplies were distributed. Thank you to everyone who sponsored a child or donated school supplies to the program last year! With each bag distributed, our community is bridging the gap between privilege and opportunity, ensuring every student in Fauquier County has the opportunity to start school feeling confident and able to succeed.

Our application deadline has PASSED. If you were unable to come to our distribution or still need supplies, please contact us at bbss@fauquierfish.org.

Please note that this program is only for families who are unable to afford new school supplies.

We are thrilled to announce that ALL 1285 students were sponsored. This included all registered students and those on the waitlist. A huge THANK YOU to our incredible community for your overwhelming support and generosity.

Check back in May 2025 to sponsor students for the 2025-26 school year.

FAQ:

What should I buy?

What do I do if all of the school supplies don’t fit in the book bag?

Is there a preferred type of book bag?

When will my student’s school supply list be posted?

Can I put a note in the book bag?

I can’t make the drop off times. Can I drop the bag off after the event?

Do you need help at the distribution?

How should I tag the bag?

  

Questions

Please contact bookbags@fauquierfish.org with any questions.