Friendly Center is proud to celebrate the success of this year’s Full Hearts, Full Shelves Backpack Drive,
which provided more than 600 backpacks to children across two Orange County locations, helping students prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
On Wednesday, July 29, more than 250 children in Buena Park received backpacks filled with school supplies, giving them the tools they need to begin the school year with confidence and excitement.
In Orange, parents and children received their school supplies on Tuesday, July 28. Thanks to the generosity of late donors, Friendly Center was able to distribute
more than 105 additional backpacks, helping fulfill the long waiting list and ensuring more local children received the supplies they needed.
Together, distributions in Orange and Buena Park benefited more than 600 children and their families through this year’s campaign.
This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families,
and we sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this year’s Backpack Drive.
As we continue serving our community throughout the year, we invite you to stay connected with Friendly Center.
Follow us on social media and visit our website for updates on upcoming events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.
Together, we are building stronger families, brighter futures, and a more caring community.
Help local students start the school year prepared and confident by donating backpacks and school supplies today. Time is running out, and donations are needed before distribution begins.
Your gifts will be distributed to students in our after school programs and to families participating in our case management programs.
Getting involved is easy. Schedule a drop off appointment, purchase a backpack, fill it with the required school supplies, and bring it to your appointment. Every backpack helps a child walk into the classroom ready to learn, grow, and succeed.
Suggested items to include in backpacks
Not all items are required.
CHILDREN
These focus more on basic supplies, creativity, and simpler organization.
- 1” Binder
- 12 pk #2 pencils
- 12 pk Colored pencils
- Small Pencil Sharpener
- 24 pk Crayons
- 12 pk Markers
- Liquid Glue
- Glue Stick
- Erasers
- Pencil Box
- 50–96 pk Colored construction paper
- 100–150 pk Lined paper (wide-ruled preferred)
- Index Cards
- Reusable Water Bottle
TEENAGERS
These lean toward organization, note-taking, and multi-subject use.
- 1” Binder
- Spiral Notebook (Wide or College-ruled)
- 100–150 pk Lined paper (college-ruled preferred)
- 5/8 ct Index Dividers
- Index Cards
- Highlighters
- 4 ct Expo markers
- Tape
- Pencil Case
- 12 pk #2 pencils
- 12 pk Colored pencils
- Small Pencil Sharpener
- Erasers
- Reusable Water Bottle
• 1” Binder
• 12 pk #2 pencils
• 12 pk Colored pencils
• Small Pencil Sharpener
• 24 pk Crayons
• 12 pk Markers
• Liquid Glue
• Spiral Notebook (Wide or College-rules)
• Index Cards
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Glue Stick
• Highlighters
• Erasers
• Pencil Box
• 50-96 pk Colored construction paper
• 100-150 pk Lined paper (wide or college-ruled)
• 5/8ct Index Dividers
• 4ct Expo markers
• Tape
• Pencil Case
There's still time—but not much.
Collection closes Monday, July 27, 2026
Distribution Locations
6688 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621 & 147 W Rose Ave, Orange, CA 92867
All drop-offs are by appointment only. Family Resource Center drop offs are July 27th only.
Our admin office has more dates available.
If none of the dates work for you, please reach out to info@friendlycenter.org and we will make arrangements.