Community Foundation and Greater Ithaca Activities Center launches biggest back-to-school drive to date

In collaboration with Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), Community Foundation of Tompkins County is proud to announce its largest-ever investment in a back-to-school effort: a $16,000 gift from the Lane Family Fund to provide local children with the supplies they need to start the school year strong. This year’s Back-to-School Supply Drive prioritizes students in rural areas of Tompkins County, ensuring that children in every corner of the county have access to the tools that help them learn with confidence.

“Back-to-school is such an exciting and hopeful time for families! This is about more than notebooks and backpacks—it’s about dignity, confidence, and helping children feel prepared to succeed,” said Gloria Coicou, chief engagement, equity, & grants officer. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to show our deep commitment to our community.” The Lane Family Fund added, “We love kids!  And there is no better way for kids to start the new school year than with a fresh backpack with new school supplies.  It instills enthusiasm and a positive sense of self, which is very important to get back on the trail of successful learning.”

Through strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the drive is making a lasting impact:

• Staples has generously opened their store during closed hours to host the shopping event, giving families a dignified and choice-based shopping experience. They have also provided free and discounted supplies.
• T.J. Maxx provided significant discounts on fashionable, high-quality backpacks.
• Family Reading Partnership is gifting children with free, gently used books to foster a love of reading at home.
• Old Navy is providing basic essentials like underwear and socks at a discount.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods is providing a discount for our high school backpacks.

Children who attend the event will receive a brand-new, stylish backpack along with $30–$80 in school supplies from Staples. Unlike traditional supply drives where items are pre-selected, this initiative allows families to choose what their children need, reducing waste. This approach builds on the Foundation’s history of innovative back-to-school support, including the successful “Cuts and Curls for Boys and Girls” program, which boosted children’s confidence by ensuring they looked and felt their best on the first day of school. Kids will also enjoy free ice cream and face painting.

“Our community is strongest when we invest in our children,” said George Ferrari, CEO. “By working together with our partners, we are not just providing supplies—we are showing kids that they matter, that they belong, and that their community believes in their future.” 

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, GIAC director, adds, “GIAC is proud to play a role in making sure every child walks into school feeling prepared and confident. This supply drive reflects what our community does best—coming together to lift up our children. It takes all of us to create opportunities like this, and GIAC is honored to help make it happen.” For more information or to be added to the waitlist, please reach out to Gloria Coicou, gcoicou@cftompkins.org.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, visit cftompkins.org