School on Wheels - Massachusetts - Help with our Backpack Program

Get Involved

More than 24,000 students enrolled in Massachusetts Public Schools are identified as homeless.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, more than 120+ annual summer company and community supply drives and volunteer teams have been cancelled, leading to a drastic loss in inventory. Simultaneously, there's been a remarkable increase in the number of children facing homelessness and in need of support. Families, businesses and groups can help replenish supplies by donating from your home, community group or business using the links below.

Whether the school year begins in class or online, most of our 6,000+ students share one bedroom with their family. To have new school materials, books and essentials neatly stored in one place, that is - in a new backpack donated by you, helps to keep kids organized and prepared.

VOLUNTEER

Up to 8 people at a time may visit our headquarters this summer to customize and ready backpacks for distribution. Please read our safety protocols HERE.

THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP FROM HOME

Every small effort is a collective leap for a child facing homelessness amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic and how school will resume this fall.

1. DONATE FROM YOUR HOME or business

Click above to purchase a backpack already filled with supplies! These bags were pre-selected and will be further tailored with grade-level books, workbooks and other essentials.

Click above to donate in bulk. Bulk orders keep our inventory humming! To shop for individual supply items, click HERE.

Purchase a carefully selected book to foster a love for reading. Click above to help with our most urgent book needs - young adult and middle school books. THANK YOU Buttonwood Books & Toys for partnering for good!

2. CONDUCT A DRIVE WITH FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES

For a downloadable link to supplies needed CLICK HERE

To prepare grade-specific backpacks at home, click the link below for materials to include. We will further customize.

Grades K - 3
Grades 4 - 6
Grades 7 - 12

3. GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR KIDS!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We include letters, artwork or notes of inspiration with each backpack we send. Children and teens love to receive notes from supporters and peers - and we'd love to include yours. It's a great way to teach empathy to your children. Notes can be targeted to any age group.

Here's a fun family activity! Create origami bookmarks with your kids! Click above for a step-by-step guide.

Send or drop off supplies and backpacks to:

School on Wheels of Massachusetts, 100 Laurel Street, Suite 121, E. Bridgewater, MA 02333

Please include your name and contact information so that we may thank you accordingly. Better yet, call or email in advance and we'll take a photo of your family, group or business! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 508-587-9091. You can also send photos of your activities to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BEGIN A SCHOOL ON WHEELS CLUB THIS FALL!

Kids Helping Kids! Your children or teens can make a difference by forming a School on Wheels Club at their school or in their neighborhood or extracurricular group. SOWMA Clubs coordinate school supply drives or stage events that promote and support the needs of less fortunate peers. SOWMA Club leaders gain valuable leadership, philanthropic and team building skills. When public health precautions warrant, SOWMA Club representatives gather at our headquarters to volunteer. Contact us for more information on starting a SOWMA Club! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.