2025 Wilmington Back-to-School Drives
Support local students and give back this season with these school supply drives happening around Wilmington.
As summer winds down and families across Wilmington prepare for the new school year, it’s the perfect time to rally behind our community’s students and teachers. Back-to-school drives offer a chance to make a real impact — helping kids start the year with confidence and the supplies they need to succeed.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, here are some of the 2025 back-to-school drives happening right here in Wilmington, NC.
Communities In Schools of Cape Fear – Annual Supply Drive
July 29–August 16, 2025 | Various Drop-Off Locations
This longtime favorite partners with local businesses to collect new school supplies for students across New Hanover and Pender counties. You’ll spot collection boxes at area grocery stores, gyms, and banks — just grab an extra pack of pencils or notebooks while you’re out.
📍Drop-off locations include:
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Harris Teeter (Oleander Dr)
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Whole Foods Market
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RiverLights Information Center
Most-needed items: backpacks, composition notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, dry erase markers
United Way of the Cape Fear Area – "Stuff the Bus"
August 10, 2025 | 10am–2pm | Independence Mall Parking Lot
Join the United Way team and volunteers as they literally “stuff the bus” with backpacks, paper, and classroom essentials. It’s an energetic, family-friendly event and a great way to engage kids in giving back before they return to school themselves.
💡 Tip: Bring your donation, snap a photo by the bus, and tag #UWCFABack2School on social media to help spread awareness.
Wilmington Police Department – Pack-A-Patrol Car
August 14, 2025 | 11am–3pm | Target (New Centre Dr)
This unique supply drive puts a twist on giving — help the WPD pack one of their own patrol cars full of school supplies! Officers will be on site collecting donations and talking with families about safety and community resources.
Kids can also enjoy a free popsicle from Pelican’s Snoballs and take home a WPD sticker badge.
Adopt-a-Backpack through NourishNC
Online Donations Open Through August 31, 2025
Want to help without leaving the house? NourishNC’s “Adopt-a-Backpack” program allows you to sponsor a backpack filled with food and supplies for local students experiencing food insecurity.
Donate online and make a difference directly from your phone — perfect for busy schedules or long-distance supporters.
Backpacks for Success – Cape Fear Volunteer Center
August 17, 2025 | MLK Center, 401 S. 8th St
This one-day event offers free backpacks to students in need, plus on-site health screenings, haircuts, and local resources for families. Want to get involved? Volunteers are needed to help organize, distribute, and support the event.
It’s a great way to connect with your neighbors and support a successful school year for all Wilmington students.
As we head into another school year, these local drives remind us that even small acts of kindness — a pack of crayons, a new backpack, a donated afternoon — can mean everything to a student. Let’s show up for Wilmington’s kids and make 2025 their best school year yet.
If you're thinking about putting down roots in a community that cares, Wilmington is the perfect place to call home. At Compass, The Andy Bovender Team is proud to support local families through every season — from back-to-school to buying or selling real estate. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, let us help you navigate Wilmington real estate with confidence.
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