Anne Arundel Co. Kicks Off Back-To-School Assistance Program

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The 44th annual Back-to-School program is underway as part of an effort to bridge gaps for students who lack supplies during the school year.

Officials estimated some 36,000 students could start the year without basic supplies.

What Items Are Needed?

Items provided to participating individuals range from pencils to notebooks and backpacks.

The county initiative matches donors with a child, providing their name, grade, and identifying the school they'll attend in the new year.

Officials say the details are provided to "make the gift personal and meaningful."

How To Help

In 2025, 227 donors joined the festivities, as more than $1,700 in contributions were collected, according to a news release.

Residents, businesses, congregations and community groups can either assist the program through donations or by volunteering in August to fill and distribute backpacks.

Interested individuals can sign up online or by email. Calls can also be made to (410) 269-4462.

The program is coordinated through the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services, alongside Anne Arundel County Public Schools and County Executive Steuart Pittman.