Backpack Fairies Gearing Up for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Backpack Fairies are a group of anonymous volunteers who work year-round with the support of the community to collect and distribute backpacks and school supplies. Their mission is to help ease the financial burden on local families by ensuring every student has the tools needed for a successful school year.

Free backpacks filled with essential back-to-school supplies will once again be available for local families with students entering grades K-12. Families who received a backpack in a previous year may also sign up to have their backpack refilled with school supplies.

New this year, the Backpack Fairies have introduced online registration, making it easier than ever for families to sign up. Families can register by visiting  https://tinyurl.com/BackpackSignups2026  and completing the enrollment form by Tuesday, Aug. 11.

The online form asks for each student's name, grade level, gender, and a contact phone number. Thanks to a partnership with Caring Hands (formerly the Soroptimists), families are also asked to provide sock and underwear sizes so each student receives the correct items. Every participating student will receive a new pair of socks and underwear along with their school supplies. Organizers say they'll even "leave a pencil under the pillow, luring in the Backpack Fairies."

Once backpacks and supplies have been prepared, BS Central, home of the BS Buzz, will contact families using the phone number provided during registration to arrange pickup. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Backpack Fairies also expressed their appreciation to everyone who has helped make the program possible through the years.

"We appreciate all of the support Kelly has provided the Backpack Fairies program and are grateful for the opportunity to continue working with Rachel, Zac, and the BS Buzz. Without them, this program would not be possible."

The organization also extends its heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, businesses, organizations, and volunteers who support the Backpack Fairies each year with donations of supplies, funding, and their time.

"Community members continue to find the Backpack Fairies out in the wild and shower them with donations and support. The Backpack Fairies could not succeed without the magical fairy helpers, organizations, businesses, and individuals who generously volunteer their time, supplies, and financial support."