Beverly Bootstraps Seeks Donations For 25th Annual Backpack Program

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Bootstraps is marking the 25th anniversary of its Back-to-School Backpack Program, a yearly effort to help local students start the school year with new backpacks and basic supplies.

The program began in 2001 and has grown with community support over the years. In 2026, Beverly Bootstraps aims to provide 975 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.

In Beverly Public Schools, about 32 percent of K-12 students come from low-income households, representing nearly 1,400 children. The backpack program helps reduce the cost of school supplies for families so they can focus on other basic expenses, including rent and groceries.

Beverly Bootstraps said it supports students in Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Hamilton and Wenham.

Community members are asked to donate in one of two ways.

Supplies can be ordered online here through July 15, with items shipped directly to Beverly Bootstraps.

People can also shop locally and drop off donations by July 10 at collection sites in Beverly, Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester and Essex.

In Beverly, donations will be accepted at Beverly Bootstraps, 35 Park St.; Beverly Public Library Children's Room, 32 Essex St.; and Beverly Farms Public Library, 24 Vine St. In Hamilton and Wenham, donations can be dropped off at The Community House, 284 Bay Rd., South Hamilton.

In Manchester, collection sites are Manchester Public Library, 15 Union St.; Manchester Town Hall, 10 Central St.; and Summer Playground at Manchester Memorial, 43 Lincoln St. In Essex, donations can be dropped off at Brookline Bank, 8-10 Martin St. A list of needed supplies is available here.

Backpack distribution to clients will begin Aug. 17 at Beverly Bootstraps.

People in need of assistance can call at 978-927-1561 or visit here.