By Anne Levin

With schools closed last year due to COVID-19, it would seem that the need for backpacks, binders, and other essential school supplies would have decreased — or at least stayed the same.

But Princeton’s Human Services Department, which looks out for the needs of residents who are vulnerable or economically disadvantaged, has discovered otherwise. The 12th annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive, which helps children who are low-income and in need of new gear, is as vital as ever.

This year’s drive runs through August 6. Backpacks, book bags, notebooks, binders, folders, loose leaf paper, pencils, pens, crayons markers, scissors, glue sticks, and other essential items can be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Monument Hall, 1 Monument Drive.

“The demand has definitely increased, even with COVID,” said Melissa Urias, Human Services director. “Families really rely on the drive. School supplies and backpacks are really expensive. Especially with the pandemic, families were focusing on having food on the table and paying rent. Now, with kids going back to school in September, it’s definitely going up.”

For the past 11 years, the annual drive has collected donations from the public, local businesses, and municipal employees. The items are distributed to children from low-income families who attend Princeton Public Schools and are entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

“The drive goes up to sixth grade, but we really get a great outcome from donors so we are typically able to expand it through eighth grade, and sometimes even high school,” said Urias. “The older kids need backpacks and binders. The younger ones need cartoon binders and supplies for the classroom. We work with the schools to try to find out what they need on their end.”

Urias said Princeton University is the biggest donor to the program. Families who benefit are spread out among the town’s affordable housing neighborhoods, including Griggs Farm, Princeton Community Village, and the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood.

“So many families count on these donations,” said Urias. “The community has been great about helping out, and we appreciate
their continued help and generosity.”

For questions, call Human Services at (609) 688-2055 or email Urias at murias@princetonnj.org.