Back to School Supply Drive Calabasas and Valencia
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Summer is in full swing, but a new school year is just around the corner. For many families in the San Fernando Valley, the coming school year means trips to the store for back-to-school shopping. However, for many children at Van Nuys Elementary School, their families face a difficult reality and struggle to provide the necessities daily.
According to Laurie Craft, Site Director of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, over eighty percent (80%) of the children who attend Van Nuys Elementary are Title I students, meaning the majority come from low-income households and require additional assistance to prepare for and succeed in school. Since its inception nearly ten years ago, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission has been serving and empowering at-risk communities in the San Fernando Valley with support, knowledge, resources, and skills to become self-sufficient. Part of Hope of the Valley’s mission also includes connecting communities with resources or support to provide community-based solutions.
With this mission in mind, Reape Rickett Law Firm is proud to partner with Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission to host a school supply donation drive at our offices in Calabasas and Valencia.
Why This Drive Matters
For children in Title I schools, the lack of essential school supplies often means starting the school year at a disadvantage. A backpack filled with notebooks, pencils, and crayons may seem simple, but it gives a child confidence and removes a barrier to learning.
By contributing to this drive, you are doing more than donating supplies; you are investing in the education, self-esteem, and future of local children. Every contribution helps strengthen families, schools, and neighborhoods across Conejo Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley.
Event Details
- Dates: July 10 – August 10
- Collection Sites:
- Calabasas Office – 23945 Calabasas Drive, Suite 207, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Valencia Office – 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100, Valencia, CA 91355
- Drop-Off Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Holiday Exceptions: Please note that our offices will be closed on July 4, and donations cannot be accepted outside of staffed business hours.
- Accessibility: Both offices provide free parking and are wheelchair accessible.
All items will be delivered directly to Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN available upon request), for distribution to Van Nuys Elementary students before the school year begins.
Items Most Needed by Students
We are focusing on new and unused supplies suitable for elementary school children in grades K–5. The most needed items include:
- Backpacks (child-sized, sturdy zippers preferred)
- Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
- Crayons and colored pencils
- Notebooks (wide-ruled)
- School glue and glue sticks
- Small rulers
Prohibited items: We kindly request that you refrain from donating liquids, broken supplies, or used backpacks. These items cannot be distributed for health and safety reasons.
How to Donate
1. In-Person Drop-Off
Donations can be dropped off directly at either the Calabasas or Valencia office. Staff will be available to assist you, and a collection area will be clearly marked. Receipts for tax-deductible donations can be requested at the time of drop-off.
2. Mail or Ship Donations
If you cannot come in person, we welcome mailed donations. Please contact our team at (888) 851-1611 for shipping instructions to ensure your supplies reach us securely.
3. Monetary and Gift Card Contributions
While the primary focus is school supplies, monetary donations and gift cards are also accepted. Gift cards to major retailers like Target, Walmart, or Amazon allow families to purchase exactly what is needed. Financial contributions should be made through Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, ensuring donors receive official 501(c)(3) tax documentation.
Community Impact and Goals
This drive aims to serve more than 200 children at Van Nuys Elementary, ensuring they enter the school year fully prepared. Last year, Hope of the Valley distributed thousands of backpacks and supplies across Los Angeles County. With your support, we plan to surpass those numbers in 2025.
Every backpack and notebook represents a child who will walk into school with confidence and hope. By participating, you are directly helping close the education gap in under-resourced communities.
After the drive concludes on August 10, Reape Rickett Law Firm will share an update on the number of donations collected and how they were distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations made through Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission are tax-deductible. Please request a receipt when dropping off your items or inquire about receipts for monetary gifts.
Do you accept gently used items?
No. All donations must be new and unused to ensure safety, quality, and fairness to all children.
Can I ship supplies instead of dropping them off?
Yes. Shipped donations are welcome. Please call our office for shipping details.
What types of gift cards are most helpful?
Gift cards to major school supply retailers, such as Target, Walmart, or Amazon, are highly useful and provide families with flexibility.
Can businesses or groups host mini-drives?
Absolutely. We welcome businesses, schools, or faith-based organizations to organize mini-drives and deliver donations to our offices.
When will supplies be delivered to students?
All supplies will be delivered to Hope of the Valley immediately after the drive concludes, ensuring distribution before the new school year begins.
Get Legal Help and Support Our Community
At Reape Rickett Law Firm, we are dedicated not only to providing trusted family law services but also to strengthening the communities where we live and work. This school supply drive reflects our commitment to helping families thrive—both in and outside the courtroom.
If you would like to learn more about our legal services or how we support our community initiatives, contact us today at (888) 851-1611 or email scobos@divorcedigest.com.
