Refuel for School

The Refuel for School initiative was established August 2022 with the aim to reduce educational inequality by ensuring that students from economically-challenged families have access to essential school supplies. With the support of our community, local businesses, and donors, we are able to provide backpacks filled with everything students need— from notebooks and pencils to calculators and folders. By helping children feel prepared and confident, we’re preparing them to focus on what truly matters — learning and growing.

How it Works

• Supply Collection: We gather donations starting as early as June from generous individuals, community partners, corporations and local businesses through collection boxes and online contributions.
• Backpack Assembly: The Gentle Gratitude team along with volunteers come together to assemble backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, calculators, and more.
• Distribution: Before students in Philadelphia goes back to school, we distribute the supplies to students and families in the Elmwood Park neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia (District 2).

Our Impact

800+ Backpacks and thousands of school supplies distributed throughout the Southwest and West Philadelphia community!

Get Involved

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re expanding the Refuel for School program to serve even more students each year. With your help, we can continue to grow, ensuring no child is left behind due to a lack of school supplies.

You can help us make a difference in a child’s life by:

• Donating supplies or contributing financially to help purchase needed items
• Volunteering your time to set-up collection boxes, hang flyers, and support during the giveaway.
• Sponsoring a student or school through your business or organization.
• Hosting a collection box at your business.

Every donation, big or small, helps a student succeed.

Supporters

Check out our Refuel for School event from August 23rd, 2025!