As students in Hillsborough County prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, having the right school supplies can make all the difference in staying on track. That’s why our school supply drives are focused on getting them what they need to succeed.
The summer months are when students and teachers need your support the most. By donating to our community during this time, you’re helping ensure every child walks into the classroom prepared, confident, and ready for student success in Hillsborough County.
Make a difference this summer by donating school supplies to the Hillsborough Education Foundation
Having proper school supplies is more of a privilege than many people realize. The need for school supply donations is urgent, especially with nearly 62% of students, or approximately 137,000 children, considered economically disadvantaged. As students get ready to head back to school, now is the perfect time to give.
Donating does more than provide materials. It gives students a sense of preparedness, confidence, and belonging. Without the right tools, students may feel discouraged or fall behind. Something as simple as a pencil or notebook can not only inspire confidence and boost creativity, but also change a child’s future.
We know how important proper school supplies are for supporting our students and educators. That’s why at HEF, we offer the Teaching Tools Resource Center (TTRC). The TTRC is accessible to public school teachers within Hillsborough County, and provides free school supplies, classroom materials, and instructional resources to ensure a successful learning experience is achievable.
By easing the financial burden on teachers and helping fill classrooms with the right tools, the TTRC delivers essential academic support in Hillsborough County. If you’re interested in donating and supporting our community, see below for ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Different ways you can make an impact on students, teachers, and schools in Hillsborough County
As students prepare for the upcoming year, there are several meaningful ways to support academic success in our community. One option is to collect school supplies and drop them off at the Hillsborough Education Foundation, or we can arrange a pickup for your convenience. You can also shop directly from our Amazon Wish List, and the supplies will be delivered straight to our office.
Additionally, staff members can make a cash donation through our Donation Page and note it as part of their company’s supply drive. Every contribution, whether big or small, helps to strengthen student success in Hillsborough County and pave the way for brighter futures.
Upcoming drop-off events
Ready to support your community this back-to-school season? We have several upcoming opportunities where your contributions will provide academic support in Hillsborough County. By dropping off much-needed school supplies, you’re positively impacting our community, one item at a time.
If you’re unsure what to bring, take a look at our list of the top 20 most needed items, including backpacks, binders, colored pencils, and more. Every donation helps, no matter the size. Below are some of our upcoming drop-off events:
Hillsborough County Events:
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Hosted by: Tampa Bay Rays
Location: Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa, FL 33614
Time: 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Hosted by: Hillsborough Education Foundation
Location: 2306 N Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33607
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Make an Impact with Hillsborough Education Foundation
With so many meaningful ways to give back, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you volunteer your time, donate supplies, or help spread the word, your support helps shape a brighter future for students in our community. Ready to make an impact? Learn more about how you can get involved today.
