The Durham School Supply Drive is giving residents another way to support students preparing for the new school year, with Staples locations across Durham Region collecting financial donations through Sept. 27.
Participating stores include locations in Ajax, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Whitby and Pickering. Staples’ official store directory confirms locations in each of those communities.
The annual Staples School Supply Drive raises money to help students and families who may struggle with the cost of notebooks, writing supplies and other classroom essentials.
Donations stay connected to local communities
According to the supplied campaign information, donations support United Way Centraide Canada and the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada.
Money collected through participating stores is intended to support local organizations that help provide essential school supplies to families who need assistance.
The campaign has been running for more than two decades and has raised close to $20 million through contributions from customers, employees and charitable partners.
Staples also currently offers online donation options for its annual School Supply Drive, including $5 and $20 contributions. The retailer says donations help students in need return to school with the supplies required for learning.
Durham Staples stores participating
The Durham School Supply Drive includes several locations across the region.
Participating communities listed in the supplied article include:
- Ajax
- Oshawa
- Bowmanville in Clarington
- Whitby
- Pickering
Staples lists its Ajax store at 16 Harwood Avenue South, while the Oshawa location is at 410 Gibb Street.
The Bowmanville store operates at 185-187 King Street East, while the Pickering location is at 1755 Pickering Parkway.
Staples also lists a Whitby location at 320 Taunton Road East.
Customers can make financial donations during checkout while the campaign is active.
Drive builds on previous fundraising success
Last year’s national Staples School Supply Drive surpassed its $1-million fundraising goal, according to the company’s press archive.
The 2026 campaign continues that effort as families face the seasonal expense of preparing children for classes.
Back-to-school costs can include notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, backpacks, calculators and other classroom materials, creating additional financial pressure for some households.
By collecting donations at stores, the campaign provides customers with a relatively simple way to contribute while shopping.
Campaign continues through Sept. 27
Residents interested in participating in the Durham School Supply Drive have until Sept. 27 to donate at participating Staples stores.
Because the campaign operates nationally but keeps a local focus through community partners, contributions made at Durham stores are intended to support students and families within the communities where the money is collected.
The initiative arrives as schools prepare for another academic year and families across Ajax, Oshawa, Clarington, Whitby and Pickering begin purchasing supplies.
For residents who want to help students begin the year with essential learning materials, financial donations can be made at participating Staples checkout counters while the campaign remains active.
