Overview
The 2024-25 school year is right around the corner, and this year’s Backpack Bash is coming to a campus near you in early August.
This annual event provides school supplies, enrollment support and other resources, while connecting RISD families to programs and services in a festive back-to-school atmosphere. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year confidently with all the tools they need to succeed.
We are so grateful for the many sponsors and donors who have provided the resources and volunteers to help us provide backpacks and school supplies.
A few important reminders:
- No registration is necessary for this year’s event. Please know that supplies will be available on a first come, first served basis at the campuses.
- Students must be registered to attend an RISD school.
- The Backpack Bash will occur on multiple elementary campuses this year. Event times vary. Please look for a communication from your campus in the coming weeks.
Schools
Audelia Creek Elementary
Forestridge Elementary
Jess Harben Elementary
Mark Twain Elementary
Richardson Terrace Elementary
Richland Elementary
Aikin Elementary
Forest Lane Academy
Merriman Park Elementary
Northlake Elementary
Skyview Elementary
Stults Road Elementary
Wallace Elementary
Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary
Northrich Elementary
Dobie Primary
Dover Elementary
Northwood Hills Elementary
Richardson Heights Elementary
RISD Academy
Overview
The 2024-25 school year will be here soon enough, and this year’s Backpack Bash is coming to a campus near you.
RISD is once again rallying our community to support the 5th annual Backpack Bash, which this year will take place on numerous campuses across the school district.
RISD students in every corner of the school district face challenges when it comes to acquiring school supplies, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year confidently with all the tools they need to succeed.
Help us realize our goal of giving a backpack filled with school supplies to every elementary-aged child at a high-need RISD campus.
Whether you can give a little or a lot, every $20 donation is equivalent to one more RISD child starting school with a new backpack and new school supplies.
This year, the event will occur on elementary campuses, as we try to meet our families where they are. Please stay tuned for more information from your campus in July.
More than 4,000 backpacks and school supply kits were distributed to families at last year’s Backpack Bash, and we know the need is nearly four times that amount. If we were to supply every student in need with a backpack and supplies, we would need more than 15,000 kits. This year – and with your help – we want to grow the annual RISD Backpack Bash donations to match the needs of our families.
For some families, purchasing a backpack filled with school supplies is a financial burden they simply cannot afford. That’s why we need you! Your support makes the Backpack Bash a success. Your contributions directly impact the lives of RISD students and alleviate some of the stressors faced by many RISD families.
How you can help
Donate
Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing backpacks and school supplies for students in need. Whether it's $20, $50, $500 – or $7,500 to become a Campus Champion – every donation helps every student.
Spread the Word
Share our fundraiser with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about our cause, the greater our impact will be. You can share our social media posts, forward our emails, or simply tell others about the event.
Volunteer
We need volunteers to help us distribute backpacks to students. Your time and effort can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that every student starts the school year on the right foot. Together, we can provide them with the tools they need. Thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of every student, every day.
Save the Date
LHHS & BHS LCs:
Saturday, July 29 – 9-11 a.m.
Lake Highlands High School
RHS & PHS LCs:
Saturday, August 5 – 9-11 a.m.
Richardson High School
CAMPUS CHAMPION
Campus Champion Benefits:
- Recognition on RISD and Foundation promotional materials (press releases, website and social media).
- Opportunity to engage your staff in an employee volunteer opportunity.
- Formal recognition at an RISD Board Meeting.
- One scoreboard advertisement during a fall 2024 RISD football game.
- Plaque to display at your business or organization.
- “Campus Champion” plaque with your name or logo placed at the school you support for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Listing in The Richardson ISD Foundation 2024-2025 Year-in-Review annual report.
- All donations due by July 8
2024 Sponsors
Register
Registration will open on June 1.
Volunteer
For more information about Backpack Bash, contact Dr. Melissa Heller at melissa.heller@risd.org.