Back to School Drive Brings Big Hearts and Full Hands to House of Mercy
This past Saturday, July 19th, House of Mercy was filled with joy, generosity, and a shared commitment to uplifting local families during our annual Back to School Drive—and what a heartwarming success it was!
We were thrilled to welcome a steady stream of donors throughout the day—many of whom learned about the event through flyers in our Thrift Store and Donation Center, while others responded to our outreach online. Whether longtime supporters or first-time visitors, they all arrived with arms full of supplies and a spirit of selfless giving that was truly moving.
In just one day, the community came together to donate:
-
🎒 50 backpacks
-
👟 1 pair of shoes
-
📓 166 notebooks
-
📁 46 folders & binders
-
🖍️ 45 packs of crayons, markers, and colored pencils
-
✏️ 77 packs of pencils, pens, and highlighters
-
🧴 19 packs of glue sticks or liquid glue
-
✂️ 182 other essential items, including scissors, lunch bags, index cards, pencil sharpeners, underwear, and more!
These generous donations go directly toward our Back to School Program, which has helped over 400 children each year begin the school year fully stocked and ready to succeed. In 2024, this program raised over $150,000 worth of school supplies, allowing us to provide every child with a complete set of essentials—saving families an average of $275 per child. This kind of relief can be life-changing for many parents already juggling rising costs.
The drive wasn’t just about collecting items—it was a celebration of community in action. One especially heartwarming moment came from a grandmother who brought her grandchildren along to shop and donate. She wanted them to personally select the supplies and learn the importance of giving back—a beautiful and thoughtful gesture that truly touched our hearts.
We also had the pleasure of meeting a group of lovely donors who stopped for photos and shared their excitement to be part of something meaningful. Throughout the day, volunteers supported both shifts with enthusiasm, and a few community partners even dropped by to show their support. It was a day full of connection, kindness, and shared purpose.
Help Us Keep the Momentum Going
The Back to School Drive is just one way House of Mercy supports local families, but the need continues year-round. Our food pantry feeds over 100 families daily, and we rely on the ongoing generosity of our community to keep essential services running.
If you’re feeling inspired, consider hosting your own collection drive—whether for school supplies, pantry items, hygiene kits, or clothing. Families, businesses, schools, churches, and civic groups can all make a meaningful difference.
💙 Learn how to host a drive or sign up to volunteer today at www.houseofmercyva.org
Together, we are creating a stronger, more compassionate community—one filled backpack, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.
We love our donors, and we are proud to serve alongside you.
