Backpacks, Blessings, and Belonging: Making Back-to-School Outreach Accessible

Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and possibility for many families—but for others, it can be a season of stress and financial strain. This is especially true for households with high school students, where supply lists can be both long and expensive. Graphing calculators, sturdy backpacks, binders, and specialty materials quickly add up.

That’s why, at my parish, we launched Operation High School Backpack—a ministry designed to equip teens with high-quality backpacks, complete school supply kits, and a graphing calculator. We partnered with local nonprofits that work directly with families in need, ensuring that our collections reached the hands of students who would benefit most. It was simple, joyful work with a big impact.

And we’re not alone. A quick search on the internet reveals that Episcopal churches across the country are hosting backpack drives. Some run them in partnership with larger organizations, while others hold giveaways right from the parish hall. However, as wonderful as these ministries are, one thing is often overlooked: ACCESSIBILITY..

Accessibility in Back-to-School Outreach

When hosting a giveaway, whether for backpacks, food, or other essentials, consider accessibility from the outset.

1. Make your flyers and announcements accessible.
If you’re promoting your event online, use high-contrast colors, readable fonts, and—yes—ALT text on all graphics. This ensures that parishioners and community members who use screen readers (like I do) can access the information. If your flyer is only a scanned image, it’s essentially invisible to blind or low-vision users.

2. Choose partners who think about access.
If you’re partnering with a nonprofit to distribute supplies, ask them how they accommodate families impacted by disability. Can they offer delivery or a drop-off option for families who are unable to visit your location physically? This one question can make the difference between serving some families and serving all families.

3. Be explicit about accommodations.
Add a note to your church bulletin or flyer: If you or someone you know needs a backpack and has a disability, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the church. This lets families know you’re ready to help and that their needs are welcomed, not a burden.

4. Think about adaptive options.
Not every backpack is created equal. Companies like Pottery Barn, Target, and Jansport make adaptive backpacks for kids with disabilities. Some fit over wheelchair handlebars or walkers. Others use sensory-friendly materials or have compartments for medical equipment and medication. Lunch bags can be designed to match your style. Imagine the impact if a family called your Episcopal church and found out you could provide an adaptive backpack that perfectly met their child’s needs. That’s more than charity—it’s dignity.

Beyond September

One crucial truth about school supplies is this: students don’t just need them in September. Pencils, paper, binders, and calculators run out or break mid-year, and replacements can be hard for struggling families to afford.

Consider:

• Hosting a “school supply closet” at your church that stays stocked year-round.
• Planning a mid-year supply drive for teachers around Christmas or Easter, when resources often run low.
• Offering gift cards to office supply stores for students who may have ongoing needs.

These gestures communicate that your church sees students as more than just one-time outreach recipients—they’re part of your community, and you’re invested in their success all year long.

Accessibility as a Priority

Accessibility is not an afterthought. It’s not a bonus feature or an “extra credit” gesture. As followers of Christ and seekers of social justice, it must be a non-negotiable priority. In a world where the marginalized are often overlooked, the Church should be the loudest voice and the clearest example of inclusion.

When we think about accessibility first—whether in a backpack drive, a church service, or a parish event—we’re doing more than ticking a box. We’re saying, You belong here. Your needs matter. And we will not overlook you.

A back-to-school ministry is an opportunity to model love in action. Let’s ensure that the welcome we extend is inclusive of everyone, without exception.