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.
Fauquier FISH just hosted our 28th annual Bookbag and School Supplies Program! If you missed our distribution and need bookbags & school supplies, please reach out to us at info@fauquierfish.org.
We will open our application for the 2026-27 school year at the beginning of June 2026.
FAQ
Do I have to apply each year?
Yes. Applications from previous years do not carry over.
Why do I have to apply for each of my children?
This is the easiest way for us to pair your child with a sponsor. Depending on the number of children, your family may have multiple sponsors.
Will I receive confirmation of my application?
Yes, you should receive a confirmation email after each submission. Please ensure that you include a valid email address on the form. If you do not receive an email, please reach out to us at bbss@fauquierfish.org. You do not need to re-submit your information unless we ask you to do so.
I haven’t received any email updates since I signed up. What does this mean?
This is totally normal. Fauquier FISH will not be emailing applicants until the week prior to distribution.
When will I receive an email with my pickup time?
Pickup times will be emailed the week before distribution.
I’m worried if I don’t get to the distribution early, you’ll give my child’s book bag and school supplies to someone else?
Don’t worry; this won’t happen! Because we pair each child with a sponsor, your book bag and school supplies will be there with your child’s name on it whether you are the first timeslot or the last. Please only come during your assigned timeslot.
What if I can’t make it to the distribution?
Please email us at bbss@fauquierfish.org. We may schedule alternate pickup dates.
What if I can’t make my pickup time?
Because this is a drive-thru distribution, we schedule a certain number of pickups for each timeslot to ensure there is no backup onto the main road. Please only come at your scheduled time. You may also send another person to pickup your child’s book bag and school supplies.
Can someone else pick up my students book bag and school supplies?
Yes but please ensure they have the pickup email(s) with your students name & ID number.
Can I signup after the deadline?
We recommend signing up before the deadline to ensure your child receives a book bag and school supplies. However, we usually have a waitlist. Waitlisted students are not guaranteed a book bag and school supplies. You will receive an email ONLY if we are able to provide these.
Thank you to our OVER 200 sponsors and 70 volunteers for this year’s distribution! Thanks to the power of our community, EVERY child is ready to take on the new school year with confidence.
If you missed out on participating in our program, please look for information here at the beginning of June 2026.
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 8, 2025.
Please email us at bookbags@fauquierfish.org if there are extenuating circumstances that will not allow you to drop off the bag by August 8th.
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.
Questions
Please contact bookbags@fauquierfish.org with any questions.