BACKPACKS & BASICS 2026

BACKPACKS & BASICS 2026

ONE MORNING. A SCHOOL YEAR OF IMPACT.

On August 5, the community came together to pack 59,026 backpacks. Those backpacks are now in the hands of local students.  The impact of that morning continues in classrooms every day.

Relive more moments from an incredible morning

LOOK WHAT YOU MADE POSSIBLE.

More than 750 volunteers from 36 organizations filled the Charlotte Convention Center to pack backpacks with the supplies students needed to start the school year ready to learn – 59,026 students across the Carolinas. But the impact didn’t stop when the last backpack was packed. The backpack was just the beginning.

Pencils get used. Notebooks get filled. Crayons disappear. Glue sticks run out. And the need for school supplies doesn’t end after the first day of school. Classroom Central supports local teachers and students throughout the entire school year, making sure teachers can continue to access the supplies their students need – all at no cost.

A gift from you means that local teachers and students have the pencils, paper, notebooks and other essential supplies they need throughout the school year. Every $1 donated provides $9 in supplies.

 MORE WAYS TO STAY INVOLVED

COME SEE IT FOR YOURSELF.

Join us for a Show & Tell and get a behind-the-scenes look at Classroom Central, hear more about the needs facing local teachers and students, and how your support is making a difference.

COME BACK AND VOLUNTEER.

From individual opportunities to Family Volunteer Day, there are ways to roll up your sleeves and support local teachers and students throughout the school year.