Did you know? California public schools are required to provide all necessary school supplies, materials, and equipment to students free of charge as part of a free public education. This applies to all educational activities—curricular or extracurricular—regardless of whether academic credit is awarded. This is why it is so hard to find the typical "school supply list" on your school's website. Your child will need a backpack, a reusable water bottle, and if they are younger, then a change of cloths in a ziplock bag labeled with their name on it. 

Still, many local families choose to contribute classroom extras or help stock up on supplies that go beyond the basics. If you are wondering what to send with your child for school this year if you would like to go above and beyond, teachers always appreciate extra hand sanitizer, tissues, & disinfecting wipes. For some though, the cost of back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming. That’s where our community steps in.

Whether you're looking to donate new school supplies, support a local teacher’s wishlist, or find a free pick-up event near you, this guide has everything you need to get involved—or get help—right here in Camarillo, Ventura & Oxnard.

👉 Looking for our full Back-to-School Family Guide? There you’ll also find ideas for afterschool activities, care options, easy lunch inspiration, and free printables to help your family ease back into the school routine.

💛 Give Back: Donate School Supplies

Back-to-school time can be tough on family budgets—and your generosity can make a big difference! Whether you’re dropping off backpacks, pencils, or notebooks, every bit helps local students start strong this school year.

We’ve gathered a list of local organizations, churches, nonprofits, and small businesses that are collecting school supplies across Camarillo, Ventura & Oxnard.

📦 View the donation locations and wish lists below

July 1- August 31, 2025

• Ventura County Credit Union School Supply Drive: Help support local non-profit, School on Wheels at our annual School Supply Drive. School on Wheels provides free tutoring, learning resources, and school supplies to children in need in Ventura County. If you would like to contribute, we are accepting donations of NEW school supplies at each of our branches through August 31st. Various locations throughout Ventura County. Get the details here. 

June 9- July 31, 2025

• Stuff the Bus Online School Supply Drive with United Way of Ventura County: All donations will be used to fill backpacks for homeless middle schoolers in Ventura County. You can see more details here.

July 1- July 31, 2025

• Ventura County YMCA School Supply Drive: Your local YMCA is doing a school supplies drive this summer. Donated backpacks will be distributed to local youth support organizations and our Youth & Family Services programs. DROP OFF LOCATIONS INCLUDE: YMCAs in Camarillo, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Ynez, Montecito, and Ventura, as well as our St. George Teen Center in Isla Vista. You can see more details here.

June 23- July 18, 2025

• Food Empowerment School Supply Drive: Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.)’s annual School Supply Drive for the children of farm workers starts on Monday, June 23, and continues through Friday, July 18. This year, we will only be accepting monetary donations to buy the school supplies. https://foodispower.org/school-supply-drive-2025/

James Storehouse Back to School Supply Drive: James Storehouse is a nonprofit based in Newbury Park that has been quietly transforming lives across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Their mission is to support children and youth impacted by the foster care system by providing critical resources from cribs to college. Whether it’s a newborn just placed with a foster family, a teenager aging out of care, or a family in crisis, James Storehouse steps in with dignity, compassion, and practical support. Their most recent requests are on an Amazon Wishlist here but you can also follow them on Facebook to see their most up to date needs.

📝 Want to support a local classroom directly?
Local Teacher Wish Lists – Help a teacher stock their room! We have a list of local teacher wishlists over on our Facebook Page.

🎒 Need School Supplies?

If your family could use a little extra help this year, there are several school supply giveaways and pick-up events happening in our area.

📍 Check out where you can find free school supplies:

School on Wheels: Every student they meet receives a NEW backpack filled with school supplies. Annually they provide over 5,000 students with the tools they need to succeed in school. Details here.

Back to School Brigade: August 2, 2025 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM As a new school year approaches, ensure your children are set up for success with Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade®. We're proud to provide essential school supplies to support the education of military children. Eligibility: This event is exclusively for DEERS enrolled military dependent children who will be in Kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2025 - 2026 school year. More details here.

James Storehouse’s Back to School Bash 2025: August 2 Brand new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, plus more are provided for all youth in foster care, kinship care, guardianship, family preservation, CSEC youth, and youth who have aged out of care ages 5-26 years old. All attendees shop for free. Treats and entertainment provided for all attendees. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Details here.

Westminster Clinic Healthy Return to School – August 12th, 2025 in Oxnard - Backpack and supply distribution. More details here.

Coast to Coast Computer Product Inc - July 26th in Simi Valley  Each child must be present and will receive one supply filled backpack & one scratcher to reveal and extra gift. More details here. 

Outsiders Give Back - August 9, 12-3pm in Oxnard - Will have hoodies, socks, & school supplies. More details here. 

Thanks for being part of a community that lifts each other up—whether you're giving, receiving, or just helping spread the word 💛

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