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?
Please purchase a new book bag and all of the school supplies listed on the student’s school supply list. While typically not listed, most students appreciate a refillable water bottle as well.
What do I do if all of the school supplies don’t fit in the book bag?
Please place any school supplies that don’t fit in the book bag in a plastic grocery bag and tie it to the book bag. We’ve found zip ties work best. It is also helpful if you add a tag (see above) on the grocery bag in case it gets separated from the book bag.
Is there a preferred type of book bag?
Yes! All students need a full size book bag (even Headstart, preschool, and young elementary students). While it might make sense to purchase low priced book bags, especially if you or your organization is sponsoring a lot of students, we’ve found that the lower quality bookbags have zippers that break and the bags themselves rip easily, sometimes even before the student receives it. Some brands that we recommend include: Eastpack (Walmart), Adidas (Marshalls), and Jansport (Amazon).
When will my student’s school supply list be posted?
We check the FCPS website weekly for new school supply lists and post them here so they are all in one location. Each school posts them at different times during the summer. Please be patient; we should have them all listed by mid-July.
Can I put a note in the book bag?
You may put a note in the book bag but please do not include any personal information. Please do not include any flyers pertaining to your organization.
I can’t make the drop off times. Can I drop the bag off after the event?
No. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the parents will be able to pick up the book bag at an alternate time so we must have all book bags no later than Friday August 9, 2024.
Please email us at bookbags@fauquierfish.org if there are extenuating circumstances that will not allow you to drop off the bag by August 9th.
Do you need help at the distribution?
Yes! Please email us at bookbags@fauquierfish.org and we will send you a link to our signup. Please note that we do not publish the signup until 2-4 weeks prior to distribution. Because this is a drive-thru distribution and out of an abundance of caution, we request that volunteers be over the age of 14.
How should I tag the bag?
Bookbags should be tagged with the following information:
| ID NO. | |
| Child’s name | |
| Grade | |
| School |
Download and print a copy of the tag here.
2024-25 School Supply Lists
Elementary Schools
- C Hunter Ritchie
- Claude Thompson
- CM Bradley
- Grace Miller
- Greenville
- HM Pearson
- JG Brumfield
- Mary Walter
- MM Pierce
- PB Smith
- WG Coleman
Middle Schools
High Schools
Questions
Please contact bookbags@fauquierfish.org with any questions.