30,000 Supply-Filled Backpacks Launch A Gift for Teaching’s “Ready for Back-to-School” Campaign
The Annual Great Big Backpack Build Mobilizes Central Florida to Support Students in High-Need Schools
[Orange County, FL] June 4, 2026 – Next school year may feel far off for those enjoying summer break, but A Gift for Teaching is already working to ensure the first day back is filled with confidence, preparedness, and possibility. Today, the nonprofit officially launched its 2026 “Ready for Back-to-School” campaign with its signature kickoff event, The Great Big Backpack Build.
In its seventh year, The Great Big Backpack Build reached a new milestone: 30,000 backpacks funded and packed with essential school supplies for students across Central Florida, marking it as the largest build in the event’s history. In just an hour and a half, hundreds of corporate volunteers, joined by community leaders, came together at the Orange County Convention Center to assemble the backpacks and highlight the power of community collaboration in addressing educational needs. Among those in attendance included Orange County District 3 Commissioner, Mayra Uribe, Orange County District 4 Commissioner, Maribel Gomez Cordero, Orange County District 6 Commissioner, Mike Scott and Florida State House District 42 Representative, Dr. Anna Eskamani.
The backpacks will be distributed to students at more than 120 high-need public schools in Orange County, as well as schools in Osceola County, ensuring that 30,000 students begin the new school year ready to learn from day one.
“As we celebrate $200 million in distributed school supplies, The Great Big Backpack Build continues to show what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift for Teaching. “Every backpack represents one more student who won’t have to worry about supplies, and one more teacher who can focus on teaching instead of what’s missing.”
Many families continue to struggle to afford the full cost of back-to-school supply lists, leaving teachers to bridge the gap out of their own pockets. With more than 70% of Central Florida public schools considered high need, A Gift for Teaching’s Ready for Back-to-School campaign is designed to meet those needs head-on with community-driven support.
Following the big event, the campaign will continue throughout the summer with multiple opportunities to get involved. From July 1 through August 21, businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to participate in the “Supply Drive for Success,” helping to replenish A Gift for Teaching’s Free Teacher Supply Store with the most requested classroom essentials, including pencils, copy paper, dry erase markers, notebooks, and loose-leaf paper. Additionally, the campaign will feature a special countdown to the first day of school, highlighted by a limited-time matching gift opportunity where donations will be doubled to expand their impact on local classrooms.
With strong support from community partners such as Universal Orlando Foundation, The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Duke Energy, The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, and many more, A Gift for Teaching aims to rewrite the back-to-school narrative and equip more Central Florida classrooms for a successful year. Those interested in supporting the Ready for Back-to-School campaign can learn more or get involved by visiting www.AGiftForTeaching.org/backtoschool. Together, the community can help ensure every student starts the next school year prepared, excited, and ready to learn.
About A Gift for Teaching
A Gift for Teaching (AGFT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Central Florida’s primary provider of free school supplies to teachers for their students who need them most. Serving high-need public schools in Orange and Osceola counties, AGFT envisions a future where every student has the tools and experiences they need to succeed. Since 1998, AGFT has distributed more than $200 million worth of classroom resources that empower teachers to inspire future leaders – including pencils, books, backpacks, STEM and art materials, hygiene items, and much more. Learn more at www.AGiftforTeaching.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @AGiftForTeaching.
For media opportunities and photos/videos, please contact Bianca Byrd, Communications Coordinator.
