Every year, IRC Youth Programs support students across the greater San Diego region. Our youth programs help students to: better understand US school systems as for some it will be their first time learning at a US school, meet their academic goals, and build confidence.   You can support youth in getting all the essential school supplies they need to have a successful 2023-2024 academic year! 

 

How to participate

 

IRC San Diego Back to School Backpack Drive 2023-2024

 

Connect with your network, your friends and family, and help organize a donation drive or purchase from either our elementary or secondary education Amazon wishlist.

 

Donors can either purchase school supplies in bulk or individually OR purchase a backpack and fill it with the appropriate school supplies (see school supply list below).  We ask that all school supplies are new and compiled neatly in a backpack. 

 

Have questions? Email [email protected] or check out these FAQs.

 

 

FAQ

Can I donate used items?

No. We ask that all items are in brand new condition. Lightly used graphing calculators are an exception.

When is the deadline to deliver donations?

Ideally by the end of September as that is around the time the 2023-2024 school year starts, however, we do accept donations all year long!

Where can I ship my donations?

Please send donations to: 

IRC San Diego c/o Development 

5348 University Ave St. 205A

San Diego, CA 92105

Can I drop off donations in person?

Please reach out to [email protected] to schedule an in-person drop off. 

Can I give items not on the list?

Please email [email protected] for any specific donation questions - but additional pencils, pens, and other supplies are always welcome and will be shared with students throughout the school year. 

Can I give a gift card instead of donations or donate money for supplies?

Yes! Gift cards or checks (addressed to IRC San Diego Youth Program with Supplies as the Memo Line) are acceptable items as well.  If you are interested in giving by check or gift card, please reach out to [email protected] so we are aware of the incoming donation. 

Are the items I donate tax deductible?

Yes. The IRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and both financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please include an itemized list of donations with your shipment, or email the list to IRC after you've delivered your items. IRC will issue you an acknowledgement for tax purposes. Donors are responsible for assigning a value to in-kind donations for tax purposes. Save those receipts! While not required, it is very helpful if you also provide IRC with copies of your receipts. This allows IRC to maintain accurate documentation of donations received by clients, a requirement of many of our government-funded programs.