Back-to-School Program
Helping Kids Succeed
At St. Francis House we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school. A crucial part of this success is having the necessary school supplies. We understand that many families face financial challenges and may struggle to afford the extensive list of supplies required each year. That’s why we are committed to providing support to ensure that every child starts the school year ready and equipped for learning.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap for families in need by providing essential school supplies. We aim to alleviate the financial burden on parents and guardians, allowing children to focus on their education and growth.
How You Can Help
Donate Supplies: Contribute new school supplies at our designated drop-off locations.
Monetary Donations: Financial contributions allow us to purchase supplies in bulk and meet specific needs.
Volunteer: Join us at our events to help distribute supplies to families.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network to raise awareness and support.
Impact
By providing school supplies, we help level the playing field for all students, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed academically. This support not only boosts their confidence but also sets them up for a brighter future.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and help them achieve their full potential. Join us in our mission to equip every child for success.
Donation Hours
Wednesday, Friday: 10 am — 5 pm
Tuesday and Thursday: Shopping ONLY / Closed to Donations
Saturday: 10 am — 2:45 pm
Sunday: Closed
Hours may vary when capacity is reached.
Donations Hours and Updates
HOLIDAY HOURS
December
12/24-SFH closed at 2pm
12/25-Christmas-Closed
12/27- Closed to Donations
1/1/25 Closed
**DONATION HOURS**
Monday-Wednesday-Friday : 10am – 5pm
Saturday: CLOSED
CLIENT SHOPPING ONLY — CLOSED TO DONATIONS
Tuesday & Thursday
Sunday: CLOSED
Due to our limited space, donations are limited to 6 bags or boxes per day. We are also asking that for the safety of our staff and volunteers, these bags and boxes weigh NO MORE than 25lbs. We appreciate your generosity and understanding.
**Please check our Donate – Items page for donation restrictions**
In 2022, St. Francis House served 1,116 low-income students with a backpack full of grade-appropriate school supplies and clothing for school.
School Supply Drive
Our Back-to-School Program starts at the end of July and runs through the end of August.
If you would like to partner with us in collecting school supplies to distribute to students in need, please email Patty at patty@puyallupfrancishouse.org. This is a great activity to host at your office, within your service club, and/or at your church. Our greatest need is age-appropriate backpacks. This year, we would like to be able to supply each child with a brand new backpack.
Current Supply Needs:
- New children’s socks and underwear (K-12 grade)
- Backpacks (gently used or new)
- College ruled spiral notebooks and paper
- Wide ruled spiral notebooks and paper
- Blue/black pens
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Dry erase markers
- Colored folders
- Earbuds / Headphones
- Lunch boxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Clients / Shoppers
How do I sign up for the back-to-school program?
Clients registered prior to July will be able to shop Back-to-School on their scheduled appointment.
- Your August appointment is on the back of your client ID card.
- Your shopping time is on the front of your client ID card.
-
August new clients will be able to shop for clothing in the clothing bank and Back to School supplies the last of August
.
I lost my card. What do I do?
Please bring you photo ID to Riebli House on your regularly scheduled shopping day. We will be able to look you up in our computer system.
To renew your card if it has been more than one year since you have shopped please bring:
- Your photo id
- Proof of address (something mailed to you)
- Proof of income
If it’s not your scheduled shopping day/time, you may or may not be able to shop. Back-to-School is a very busy time. We will do our best to accommodate every client on their scheduled shopping day/time.
It’s not my scheduled shopping day/time. Can I shop?
You may or may not be able to shop. Back-to-School is a very busy time. We will do our best to accommodate every client, on their scheduled shopping day/time.
I haven’t shopped in a long time. What should I do?
Please bring you photo ID to Riebli House on your regularly scheduled shopping day. We will be able to look you up in our computer system.
To renew your card if it has been more than one year since you have shopped please bring:
- Your photo id
- Proof of address (something mailed to you)
- Proof of income
If it’s not your scheduled shopping day/time, you may or may not be able to shop. Back-to-School is a very busy time. We will do our best to accommodate every client on their scheduled shopping day/time.
What do we get?
Each client (family) will receive a minimum of 1 backpack (may be new or used), while supplies last. Each eligible school age child will receive grade appropriate school supplies.
All our services and programs are offered free of charge
We exist to improve the lives of those in need.
Stories of Hope
Right When We Need It
Standing protectively at their parent's sides, the three boys waited as the intake interview for the clothing bank began. Their dad explained that he had been out of work and had only been able to find part-time work. "Our boys have been wonderful through all of...
Susan’s Story
Susan was overwhelmed and exhausted. She had come to the clothing bank in search of clothing that would fit her three grandchildren who had been brought to her door unexpectedly the week before. She had been scrambling to adjust her life and her finances to...
A Full-Circle Moment
Shirley stopped by to donate some clothing one sunny afternoon. During her delivery, a staff member asked how she knew about us. It turned out Shirley has a long history with our programs, and it started out on the receiving end. Shirley became pregnant at the early...
A Client’s Words
Volunteer Opportunities
The volunteers at St. Francis are so kind and helpful!
— Tim R.
Giving Opportunities
I have an extremely demanding job and am unable to donate my time. I am however able to donate money. Which I do on a monthly basis. St. Francis House are wonderful stewards of the funds donated. It gives me great joy to be a part of that!
— Tammy P.
Shop the Nook
The Nook is a charity boutique operated by St. Francis House. The Nook sells “twice-loved” treasures at low prices in person at our Main Street location.
