Residents and businesses are being asked to help Durham Region students begin the new school year with backpacks, notebooks, writing tools and other essential classroom supplies.
The Durham Operation Backpack campaign is accepting new school supplies, financial donations and support from workplaces, schools, community groups and places of worship.
Six local organizations are coordinating the regional campaign: Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, Durham Community Health Centre, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank and United Way of Durham Region.
Organizers say more than 6,000 backpacks were distributed to children and families across Durham Region last year. The 2026 campaign aims to reach more students facing financial barriers as back-to-school costs continue to place pressure on household budgets.
Durham Operation Backpack Accepting Essential Supplies
Donors can contribute backpacks and school supplies suitable for students from junior kindergarten through Grade 12.
Requested classroom items include:
- Binders and refill paper
- Notebooks and scribblers
- Report covers and folders
- Pens and pencils
- Pencil crayons
- Rulers
- Backpacks and other school essentials
The supplies will be organized into backpacks containing age- and grade-appropriate items before being distributed to students. Simcoe Hall says all backpacks and supplies provided through the program are donated.
Residents who prefer to contribute financially can donate through the official Operation Backpack campaign. The program also offers an Amazon wishlist for people who want to purchase specific requested items.
Stuff the Bus Event Coming to Oshawa
A major community collection event will take place at Staples in the Oshawa Centre parking lot on Saturday, July 25.
The Stuff the Bus event will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Organizers are partnering with Durhamway Bus Lines to fill a school bus with donated supplies for local students.
Residents can bring new backpacks, writing materials and other school essentials directly to the event.
Businesses, families and community organizations are also encouraged to share information about the collection and organize group donations before July 25.
Where to Donate in Oshawa and Whitby
Public donation bins are available at several confirmed locations.
Oshawa locations include:
- Simcoe Hall Settlement House, 387 Simcoe Street South
- Oshawa Public Library’s Delpark Homes Centre branch, 1661 Harmony Road North
- Jess Hann branch, 199 Wentworth Street West
- John Aker Northview branch, 250 Beatrice Street East
- McLaughlin branch, 65 Debwewin Miikan
Whitby locations include:
- Durham District School Board headquarters, 400 Taunton Road East
- St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank, 209 Cochrane Street
- Winmar Property Restoration Specialists, 202 South Blair Street, Unit 3
- Gerdau North America’s Whitby Mill, 1 Gerdau Court
Organizers recommend checking the official campaign page before travelling because donation hours and available locations may change.
Businesses Can Host Collection Drives
Workplaces, schools and faith organizations can request a donation bin or organize an independent Operation Backpack fundraising campaign.
The coordinated regional approach is intended to reduce duplicated collection efforts and help participating agencies direct supplies to children and families who need them most. United Way Durham Region says the program helps relieve some of the financial pressure families face when school supplies must compete with expenses such as food and housing.
Families who need assistance can also register for a backpack. Simcoe Hall confirms that its 2026 registration and pickup-booking process is open for students from junior kindergarten through Grade 12.
The Durham Operation Backpack campaign will continue collecting supplies throughout the summer as organizations prepare backpacks for the coming school year.
