Shoe & Coat Drives
Back2School Boost Shoe Drives
Every Child Deserves a Confident Start to the School Year
One of our most impactful events, Back2School Boost equips over 500 local students with essential shoes, coats, and other essentials, setting them up for school year success. These simple yet crucial items not only help children feel prepared and confident but also ease the financial burden on families who may struggle with back-to-school costs.
Step Up Matching Campaign: Help Us Meet Our $4,000 Goal!
An anonymous donor is matching all support up to $4,000! Every new pair of shoes donated triggers a $20 bonus, and all cash gifts are matched dollar-for-dollar. Look for the blue bins or check out our website to see how you can help us reach our goal!
Community Partners:
Ways to Get Involved
Shop our Amazon Wishlist: Buy and ship our high-need items directly to Blue Skies
Visit a Local Drive Host to Donate: Stop by one of our drive locations before August 3rd
Help Us 'Stuff the Bus': Drop off donations at the "Stuff the Bus" event
Drop off donations at the “Stuff the Bus” event happening Bellingham at the Lakeway Fred Meyer (August 3rd, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Why Hosting a Drive Benefits Your Community & Business
YOU can raise hope and self-esteem for low income, homeless and foster care youth throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties by hosting a clothing and essentials drive for Blue Skies for Children!
Host a drop-off location at your organization/business and collect NEW COATS, WINTER HATS & GLOVES for Blue Skies for Children.
Supports Local Children in Need
our efforts provide warmth, comfort, and confidence to children facing economic hardship.
Increases Visibility & Customer Engagement
Businesses participating in drives can attract more community members and demonstrate your commitment to giving back. Hosting a drive can create a reason for new visitors to engage, frequent, and return to your business in order to participate.
Team Building
Encourages teamwork and an opportunity for a shared purpose within your organization.
Tax Benefits & Donation Write-Offs
Donate items directly to Blue Skies for Children. Businesses may be able to deduct charitable contributions for tax purposes (consult a tax professional for details).
✔️ Do you have community projects planned this year?
✔️ Could a clothing drive be integrated into an upcoming event?
Special Dates to Consider
Timing is everything! Consider these potential dates and themes to kick off a successful event!
Winter
December 5th
International Volunteer Day
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
- Elizabeth Andrew
January 16th
MLK Day of Service
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
February 17th
Random Acts of Kindness Day
"Pay it Forward."
Spring
March 20th
International Day of Happiness
"A problem shared is a problem halved. A joy shared is a joy doubled."
April 20th - 22nd
Global Youth Service Day
“Empowered youth are the catalysts for positive change.”
May 7th
Join Hands Day
“We cannot live for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men."
- Herman Melville
Summer
June 11th
National Children's Day
"Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work."
- C.S. Lewis
July 30th
International Day of Friendship
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
- Aesop
August 17th
National Nonprofit Day
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Fall
September 5th
International Day of Charity
“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
- Anne Frank
October 5th
National Do Something Nice Day
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
- Desmond Tutu
November 13th
World Kindness Day
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
- Mark Twain
