My School Bag Program
When Brandon moved in with his grandmother, it happened quickly. He could not safely remain at home, and within days she was enrolling him in a new school, setting up a bedroom, and trying to make sure he had what he needed to start over.
With the first day approaching, Brandon needed shoes. His grandmother found a community giveaway and joined a line that wrapped around the building. Although she stood there for nearly three hours, she waited because she did not have another option and hoped they would still have his size when she reached the front.
While she was still in line, she received a message that Brandon’s My School Bag was ready. Inside were brand new shoes in his exact size, along with a full outfit and school supplies chosen specifically for him. She stepped out of line and met the volunteer delivering the bag.
When Brandon tried the shoes on at home, they fit perfectly. He walked around the house in them for the rest of the afternoon and refused to take them off. For Brandon, the shoes meant he would walk into a new classroom looking like every other child. For his grandmother, they meant relief and reassurance that she was not alone.
Brandon’s First Day
When a child enters dependency, it means a court has determined they cannot safely remain at home due to abuse, neglect, substance exposure, or other serious safety concerns. They are removed from everything familiar and placed with a foster family, a relative, or another safe caregiver while the legal process unfolds. In Spokane County, approximately 1,700 children enter dependency each year.
The average child remains in dependency for 18 to 24 months. During that time, many move from home to home and must start over at new schools. Each move means leaving behind teachers, classmates, routines, and sometimes siblings.
Only about 50% of children in foster care graduate from high school on time. Instability, missed instruction, and emotional stress make it harder to stay on track.
When a child walks into a new classroom already carrying trauma and uncertainty, the last thing they should worry about is whether their shoes fit or if they have the right supplies.
Why We Do This
My School Bag provides a personalized set of new clothing and essential school items for children entering a new school due to removal, reunification, or a change in living situation.
Each bag is prepared for a specific child and typically includes a full new outfit, properly fitted shoes, socks and underwear, and age-appropriate school supplies. Items are selected based on the child’s size, age, and grade level to ensure they walk into their classroom prepared and confident.
For caregivers, especially grandparents, relatives, and foster families who often step in with little notice, My School Bag removes immediate financial pressure. School shopping can cost hundreds of dollars, and many caregivers are suddenly responsible for meeting a child’s needs overnight. By providing these essentials, we allow caregivers to focus on helping the child adjust emotionally rather than worrying about how to afford clothing and supplies.
We distribute approximately 150 My School Bags each year to children ages 0 to 18. Over the past five years, approximately 1,000 children have received a My School Bag.
Every item is new.
Every item is chosen for that specific child.
Every bag sends the same message: You belong here.
What we Do
How We Do It
My School Bag is fully volunteer run and community funded. 100% of donated dollars for this program go directly toward clothing, shoes, and school supplies for children. There are no paid staff attached to this program. Every bag is made possible because members of our community choose to step in.
At the start of each school year, when a request is received, volunteers shop individually for that child based on age, size, and grade level. Every item is selected to fit properly and reflect what the child will need to walk into school with confidence. This is not bulk distribution. It is intentional and personal.
Community members give financially so we can purchase new clothing and supplies, and others volunteer their time to assemble each bag. Because of that preparation, we are able to respond quickly when a child needs to start at a new school.
CASA Partners brings people together so that when a child walks into a new classroom, they do so prepared and confident.
Sponsor a My School Bag for $100
Provide financial support for individualized shopping
Donate new clothing, socks, underwear, or school supplies
Host a back-to-school drive
Partner as a corporate sponsor to support multiple children
Volunteer to assist with shopping or bag assembly
Many children in foster care will change schools at least once during their case. With your help, their first day in a new classroom can feel less like loss and more like a fresh start.